Perceptions and practice of physicians and pharmacists regarding antibiotic misuse at primary health centres in Qatar: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objectives The inappropriate use of antibiotics is a critical global health issue. The lack of antimicrobial stewardship exposes the community to unwarranted medication and contributes to the development of antimicrobial resistance. This study evaluated the perceptions and practice of physicians and pharmacists at primary healthcare centres of Qatar with respect to antibiotic misuse. Methods In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 226 physicians and 82 pharmacists in primary health care centres. A multistage cluster sampling technique was used for data collection. Separate self-administered questionnaires were administered to physicians and pharmacists. Results Response rates for physicians and pharmacists were 97.8% and 100%, respectively. Both physicians (90.7%) and pharmacists (87.8%) perceived antibiotic misuse as a major public health issue. To prevent antibiotic misuse, most physicians and pharmacists reported a focus on patient education as well as good practices in their work. Conclusion This study provides novel evidence on the perceptions and practices of health professionals concerning antibiotic prescription in primary healthcare settings of Qatar.

Public practices on antibiotic use: A cross-sectional study among Qatar University students and their family members

“…The study asserted that 90.7% of physicians and 87.8% of pharmacists perceived antibiotic misuse as a major public health issue. Furthermore, the majority of physicians and pharmacists believed in patient education as a way to prevent antibiotic misuse [28]. A recent cross-sectional study targeted participants at two community pharmacies to evaluate their knowledge and views towards antibiotic use in Qatar and reported misconceptions and inappropriate use of antibiotics among participants [29].…”

Ten golden rules for optimal antibiotic use in hospital settings: the WARNING call to action

“…A cross-sectional study of perceptions and practices of physicians and pharmacists regarding antibiotic misuse at primary care centers in the Middle East reported a number of misconceptions and inappropriate practices relating to antibiotic use in Qatar by patients and healthcare providers [ 267 ].…”

“…However, physicians' communication with patients influences their satisfaction more than the actual receipt of antibiotics, especially when patients are asked by their physician to contact them if symptoms do not improve [ 268 ]. Therefore, these findings suggest that educating patients about their diagnosis and course of treatment may result in reduced demand for unwarranted antibiotics [ 267 ].…”

Ten golden rules for optimal antibiotic use in hospitals: based on the publication statement of the International Network Group of the World Antimicrobial Resistance

“…A cross-sectional study of physicians' and pharmacists' perceptions and practices regarding antibiotic misuse in primary care centres in the Middle East reported a number of misconceptions and inappropriate practices regarding antibiotic use in Qatar by patients and healthcare providers [267].…”