Exploring Undergraduate Pharmacy Students Perspectives Towards Antibiotics Use, Antibiotic Resistance, and Antibiotic Stewardship Programs Along With the Pharmacy Teachers’ Perspectives: A Mixed-Methods Study From Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Antibiotic resistance (ABR) is one of the major issues around the globe. Timely education and awareness of pharmacy students regarding the appropriate use of antibiotics, ABR, and antimicrobial stewardships are required.Methods: The present study was first conducted in 12 (public and private sector) universities among undergraduate pharmacy students (UGPS) (n = 414) irrespective of their study year through a validated questionnaire, and the insights of pharmacy teachers were taken through in-depth semi-structured interviews in the second phase. For the quantitative data, different statistical methods were used, and data were presented in tabulated form, whereas inductive thematic interpretation was used to categorize themes and derive conclusions from qualitative evidence.Results: The majority of the students were males (n = 223, 54%) with the mean age group 19–23 years, and 20 faculty members were interviewed with a mean duration of 15 min. Students have good knowledge about antibiotics use and the majority purchased antibiotics through prescription (n = 277, 66.9%) during the last month and strongly agreed to stop unnecessary household storage (n = 183 44.2%). Most of the students have heard the terminologies related to antimicrobial resistance through social media while unaware (n = 104, 25.1%) of a Pakistan national action plan against AMR (antimicrobial resistance). Overall, respondents have a somewhat good understanding of the ABR. Regular use of antibiotics without consultation of a physician can lead to ABR and some wrong answers were observed (162, 39.1%; p > 0.05). The majority of the students (n = 198, 47.8%) and teachers believe that the current pharmacy syllabus must be swiftly updated with the new subjects related to ABR and AMS (antimicrobial stewardship) in Pakistan. The UGPS have emphasized (n = 220, 53.1%; Median = 1, IQR = 2) establishing a link between academia and hospitals. The ABR issue has been highlighted by pharmacy faculty members, who have urged students to take practical efforts toward ABR and AMS knowledge.Conclusion: The UGPS knowledge related to ABR and AMS must be updated. Students at the undergraduate level must get training in order to encourage the sensible use of antibiotics. Courses on ABR and AMS should be included in present pharmacy curricula.

Assessment of antibiotic storage practices, knowledge, and awareness related to antibiotic uses and antibiotic resistance among household members in post-conflict areas of Pakistan: Bi-central study

“…Therefore, now is an excellent time (spring) to launch a program for HHs and communities, particularly in Pakistan's post-conflict rural areas, to inform the people about the proper use of antibiotics and the adverse effects (ABR) of inappropriate antibiotics consumption. The findings revealed by Khan et al ( 57 ), are very comparable to the current research conducted in post-conflict regions ( 5 ). The consumer-related factors were evaluated at community pharmacies through quantitative and qualitative approaches ( 38 ).…”

“…The Starfish Project in the United States gathers unwanted antibiotics from HHs through the use of free mail labels (30). While a lack of public awareness about inappropriate antibiotic use in selflimiting diseases contributes to the high prevalence of over-thecounter antibiotic purchases, easy access to over-the-counter antibiotics is also a factor in leftover antibiotics as reported in similar other studies (30,57). According to Mutaseim Makki and his colleagues, the incidence of unused prescriptions in HHs has grown drastically in recent decades, resulting in medicines wastage (58).…”

Exploring Knowledge of Antibiotic Use, Resistance, and Stewardship Programs among Pharmacy Technicians Serving in Ambulatory Care Settings in Pakistan and the Implications

“…The study tool used in our survey was adapted from previous studies conducted in the local population [ 47 , 48 ] as well as a review of the literature. The initial draft of the study instrument was prepared by the leading investigators (ZUM and MS).…”

“…We are aware that previous studies have been undertaken among HCWs in the different regions of Pakistan, including physicians and pharmacists as well as medical and pharmacy students, to ascertain key aspects regarding antibiotics use, AMR, and ASPs [ 38 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 ]. However, we are unaware of any studies that have been conducted to fully evaluate knowledge of antibiotic use, AMR, and ASPs among pharmacy technicians serving specifically in ambulatory care facilities.…”

Evaluation of Consumers Perspective on the Consumption of Antibiotics, Antibiotic Resistance, and Recommendations to Improve the Rational use of Antibiotics: An Exploratory Qualitative Study From Post-Conflicted Region of Pakistan

“…The available body of evidence from Pakistan indicates that the use of antibiotics is still inappropriate in spite of various antimicrobial stewardship programs ( Khan et al, 2021a ; Khan et al, 2021b ). Evidence suggests that the general public plays an essential role in curbing the growing encumbrance of ABR ( Khan et al, 2020 ).…”