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Gillani AH, Arshad H, Mujtaba H, Umer MF, Xu S, Ji W, Bashir K, Chang J, Yang C, Fang Y. Dispensing of antibiotics for tuberculosis patients using standardized patient approach at community pharmacies: results from a cross-sectional study in Pakistan. Front Public Health 2024; 11:1241551. [PMID: 38259789 PMCID: PMC10801376 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1241551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Pakistan is among top countries for antibiotic consumption around the globe and patients often receive antibiotics directly from community pharmacies. Thus, our aim was to assess the drug dispensing practices of pharmacies for presumed and confirmed tuberculosis by using standardized patients' method in Pakistan. Methods In this cross-sectional study, we adopted two standardized patient cases in pharmacies of three cities of Punjab. The first case involved a presumed tuberculosis patient presenting with 2-3 weeks of cough and fever (Case-1), and the second case involved a confirmed tuberculosis patient carrying microbiologically confirmed tuberculosis results (Case-2). The ideal management for Cases-1 and Case-2 is referral of standardized patients to a healthcare provider without dispensing antibiotics or steroids, or both. The differences in antibiotic use, steroid use, and the number of medicines dispensed in referred and non-referred patients between Case-1 and Case-2 were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results Between April 1, 2020, and July 31, 2020, standardized patients completed 575 out of 598 interactions among community pharmacies in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Sialkot. We recorded ideal management in 115 (37.7%) of the 305 Case-1 interactions and 130 (48.1%) of the 270 Case-2 interactions. Antibiotic dispensing was higher in Case-1, with 71 out of 305 instances (23.3%), than in Case-2 interactions, with 27 out of 270 instances (10.0%). Anti-tuberculosis drugs were dispensed to 1 patient in Case-1 (0.3%) and to 19 patients (7.0%) in Case-2. Conclusion Slightly more than one-third of pharmacies in Punjab, Pakistan, ideally managed patients with presumed tuberculosis, but almost half of them ideally managed cases of confirmed tuberculosis. The presence of confirmed diagnosis slightly changes the behavior in the correct management of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Hassan Gillani
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xian Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Shaanxi Centre for Health Reform and Development Research, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hafsa Arshad
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xian Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Shaanxi Centre for Health Reform and Development Research, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hasan Mujtaba
- Department of Pathology, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Sen Xu
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xian Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Shaanxi Centre for Health Reform and Development Research, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wenjing Ji
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xian Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Shaanxi Centre for Health Reform and Development Research, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Kamran Bashir
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sargodha Pakistan, Sargodha, Pakistan
| | - Jie Chang
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xian Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Shaanxi Centre for Health Reform and Development Research, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Caijun Yang
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xian Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Shaanxi Centre for Health Reform and Development Research, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yu Fang
- Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Center for Drug Safety and Policy Research, Xian Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Shaanxi Centre for Health Reform and Development Research, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
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Zhou W, Wang J, Chen Q, Huang Z, Zhou N, Hu M. Assessment of the operation status of electronic prescription at community pharmacies in Chengdu, China: a simulated patient study. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:920. [PMID: 37644463 PMCID: PMC10466720 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09742-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Information and technologies relevant to eHealth have developed rapidly over the past two decades. Based on this, China piloted "Internet + " pattern and some regions piloted electronic prescription services to explore telepharmacy services. OBJECTIVE To describe the processes and assess the operation status of electronic prescription services mode for community pharmacies in China. METHODS The simulated patient methodology was used to conduct a cross-sectional study in 317 community pharmacies from six districts in Chengdu, China in 2019. Simulated patients expressed three levels of service demands based on scenario about acute upper respiratory tract infections to evaluate the recommendation strength of electronic prescription services and telepharmacy service in community pharmacies. The descriptive statistics was completed to obtain the characteristics of the visit process, student t-test and χ2 test (P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant) were used for inferential statistical analysis to determine differences in characteristics and degree of recommendation between pharmacies. RESULTS Three Hundred Seventeen record sheets were effectively collected. The third-party platform was recommended in 195 (61.5%) interactions. The main reason for not recommending is non-prescription dispensing of prescription drugs (27.1%). 90.3% interactions waited less than 1 min, the counseling duration was less than 5 min in all interactions, and most community pharmacies had good network conditions (81.5%). 97.4% remote physicians offered professional counseling, only 22.1% of the pharmacists provided medication advice. CONCLUSIONS The electronic prescription services mode for community pharmacies in Chengdu provides a convenient drug purchase process but remains some problems. For example, prescribing drugs without a prescription and services provided by pharmacists was poor, etc. The relevant supporting policies should be improved in future development process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxin Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, No. 17, 3Rd Section, Renmin South Road, 610041, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Jing Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, No. 17, 3Rd Section, Renmin South Road, 610041, Chengdu, P.R. China
- Clinical Research Institute, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, 646000, Luzhou, P.R. China
| | - Qinmin Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, No. 17, 3Rd Section, Renmin South Road, 610041, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Zhen Huang
- Market Supervision Administration of Chengdu Municipality, 610041, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Naitong Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, No. 17, 3Rd Section, Renmin South Road, 610041, Chengdu, P.R. China.
| | - Ming Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, No. 17, 3Rd Section, Renmin South Road, 610041, Chengdu, P.R. China.
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Sono TM, Yeika E, Cook A, Kalungia A, Opanga SA, Acolatse JEE, Sefah IA, Jelić AG, Campbell S, Lorenzetti G, Ul Mustafa Z, Marković-Peković V, Kurdi A, Anand Paramadhas BD, Rwegerera GM, Amu AA, Alabi ME, Wesangula E, Oluka M, Khuluza F, Chikowe I, Fadare JO, Ogunleye OO, Kibuule D, Hango E, Schellack N, Ramdas N, Massele A, Mudenda S, Hoxha I, Moore CE, Godman B, Meyer JC. Current rates of purchasing of antibiotics without a prescription across sub-Saharan Africa; rationale and potential programmes to reduce inappropriate dispensing and resistance. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2023; 21:1025-1055. [PMID: 37740561 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2023.2259106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global concern. Currently, the greatest mortality due to AMR is in Africa. A key driver continues to be high levels of dispensing of antibiotics without a prescription. AREAS COVERED A need to document current rates of dispensing, their rationale and potential ways forward including antimicrobial stewardship programmes (ASPs). A narrative review was undertaken. The highest rates of antibiotic purchasing were in Eritrea (up to 89.2% of antibiotics dispensed), Ethiopia (up to 87.9%), Nigeria (up to 86.5%), Tanzania (up to 92.3%) and Zambia (up to 100% of pharmacies dispensing antibiotics without a prescription). However, considerable variation was seen with no dispensing in a minority of countries and situations. Key drivers of self-purchasing included high co-payment levels for physician consultations and antibiotic costs, travel costs, convenience of pharmacies, patient requests, limited knowledge of antibiotics and AMR and weak enforcement. ASPs have been introduced in some African countries along with quality targets to reduce inappropriate dispensing, centering on educating pharmacists and patients. EXPERT OPINION ASP activities need accelerating among community pharmacies alongside quality targets, with greater monitoring of pharmacists' activities to reduce inappropriate dispensing. Such activities, alongside educating patients and healthcare professionals, should enhance appropriate dispensing of antibiotics and reduce AMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiyani Milta Sono
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, Schoolof Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Garankuwa, Pretoria, South Africa
- Saselamani Pharmacy, Saselamani, South Africa
| | - Eugene Yeika
- Programs coordinator/Technical supervisor for HIV/Malaria, Delegation of Public Health, Cameroon
| | - Aislinn Cook
- Centre for Neonatal and Paediatric Infection, Institute of Infection and Immunity, St. George's University of London, London, UK
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, Health Economics Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Aubrey Kalungia
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Sylvia A Opanga
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Israel Abebrese Sefah
- Pharmacy Practice Department, School of Pharmacy, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Volta Region, Ho, Ghana
| | - Ana Golić Jelić
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Banja Luka, Banja Luka, Bosnia & Herzegovina
| | - Stephen Campbell
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, Schoolof Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Garankuwa, Pretoria, South Africa
- Centre for Epidemiology and Public Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Giulia Lorenzetti
- Centre for Neonatal and Paediatric Infection, Institute of Infection and Immunity, St. George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Zia Ul Mustafa
- Discipline of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor, Penang, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmacy Services, District Headquarter (DHQ) Hospital, Pakpattan, Pakistan
| | - Vanda Marković-Peković
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Banja Luka, Banja Luka, Bosnia & Herzegovina
| | - Amanj Kurdi
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, Schoolof Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Garankuwa, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Pharmacoepidemiology, Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Iraq
- College of Pharmacy, Al-Kitab University, Kirkuk, Iraq
| | - Bene D Anand Paramadhas
- Department of Health Services Management, Central Medical Stores, Ministry of Health, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Godfrey Mutashambara Rwegerera
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
- DestinyMedical and Research Solutions Proprietary Limited, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Adefolarin A Amu
- Pharmacy Department, Eswatini Medical Christian University, Mbabane, Kingdom of Eswatini
| | - Mobolaji Eniola Alabi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Health Sciences,University of Kwazulu-natal (UKZN), Durban, South Africa
| | - Evelyn Wesangula
- East Central and Southern Africa Health Community, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Margaret Oluka
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Felix Khuluza
- Pharmacy Department, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) (formerly College of Medicine), Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Ibrahim Chikowe
- Pharmacy Department, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) (formerly College of Medicine), Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Joseph O Fadare
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
- Department of Medicine, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
| | - Olayinka O Ogunleye
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Lagos State University College of Medicine, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
- Department of Medicine, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Uganda
| | - Dan Kibuule
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Busitema University, Mbale, Uganda
| | - Ester Hango
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Policy, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Natalie Schellack
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, SouthAfrica
| | - Nishana Ramdas
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, Schoolof Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Garankuwa, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Amos Massele
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Hurbert Kairuki Memorial University, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Steward Mudenda
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Africa Center of Excellence for Infectious Diseases of Humans and Animals, School of Veterinary Meicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Iris Hoxha
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine Tirana, Tirana, Albania
| | - Catrin E Moore
- Centre for Neonatal and Paediatric Infection, Institute of Infection and Immunity, St. George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Brian Godman
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, Schoolof Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Garankuwa, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Pharmacoepidemiology, Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Johanna C Meyer
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, Schoolof Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Garankuwa, Pretoria, South Africa
- South African Vaccination and Immunisation Centre, Sefako Makgatho HealthSciences University, Garankuwa, Pretoria, South Africa
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Wongvedvanij R, Darawong C. Enhancing the service quality of community pharmacies for non-prescription medicines based on the perspectives of pharmacists and patients: a qualitative study. JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION IN HEALTHCARE 2023; 16:38-45. [PMID: 36919811 DOI: 10.1080/17538068.2022.2026057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pharmacies in several countries are encountering a fierce competition from both local and international rivals, resulting in significant challenges in maintaining competitiveness and market share. Pharmacies are important locations for those seeking non-prescription medicines and are equipped to manage a wide variety of ailments. However, despite the large number of previous qualitative studies on the service quality of community pharmacies, very few studies have explored the service quality dimensions, specifically for non-prescription medications. In this study, we aimed to explore pharmacists' and patients' perception of potential pharmacy service quality for dispensing non-prescription medicines. METHOD Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to recruit and select qualified pharmacists and patients in the major cities of Thailand. Multiple face-to-face and telephone interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed systematically using the interpretive method of content analysis. RESULTS The participants reported several service attributes for dispensing of non-prescription medicines by community pharmacies. An analysis of the interviews revealed competence, communication, rapport, patient-centredness, and physical environment as the main themes related to service quality dimensions. Specifically, physical environment was categorized into two sub-themes, namely, hygiene and ambience. CONCLUSIONS Service quality dimensions of community pharmacies for non-prescription medications were supported by dyadic perspectives - pharmacist and patient perspectives. The findings of the study contribute to community pharmacy research by focusing on the potential dimensions of service quality, especially for non-prescription medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramida Wongvedvanij
- Graduate College of Management, Sripatum University Chonburi Campus, Muang, Chonburi, Thailand
| | - Chonlatis Darawong
- Graduate College of Management, Sripatum University Chonburi Campus, Muang, Chonburi, Thailand
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Mavragani A, Jarmusch AK, Xu Q, Sun K, Lu A, Aguirre S, Lim J, Bhakta S, Dorrestein PC. Multifactor Quality and Safety Analysis of Antimicrobial Drugs Sold by Online Pharmacies That Do Not Require a Prescription: Multiphase Observational, Content Analysis, and Product Evaluation Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2022; 8:e41834. [PMID: 36563038 PMCID: PMC9823576 DOI: 10.2196/41834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antimicrobial resistance is a significant global public health threat. However, the impact of sourcing potentially substandard and falsified antibiotics via the internet remains understudied, particularly in the context of access to and quality of common antibiotics. In response, this study conducted a multifactor quality and safety analysis of antibiotics sold and purchased via online pharmacies that did not require a prescription. OBJECTIVE The aim of this paper is to identify and characterize "no prescription" online pharmacies selling 5 common antibiotics and to assess the quality characteristics of samples through controlled test buys. METHODS We first used structured search queries associated with the international nonproprietary names of amoxicillin, azithromycin, amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, cephalexin, and ciprofloxacin to detect and characterize online pharmacies offering the sale of antibiotics without a prescription. Next, we conducted controlled test buys of antibiotics and conducted a visual inspection of packaging and contents for risk evaluation. Antibiotics were then analyzed using untargeted mass spectrometry (MS). MS data were used to determine if the claimed active pharmaceutical ingredient was present, and molecular networking was used to analyze MS data to detect drug analogs as well as possible adulterants and contaminants. RESULTS A total of 109 unique websites were identified that actively advertised direct-to-consumer sale of antibiotics without a prescription. From these websites, we successfully placed 27 orders, received 11 packages, and collected 1373 antibiotic product samples. Visual inspection resulted in all product packaging consisting of pill packs or blister packs and some concerning indicators of potential poor quality, falsification, and improper dispensing. Though all samples had the presence of stated active pharmaceutical ingredient, molecular networking revealed a number of drug analogs of unknown identity, as well as known impurities and contaminants. CONCLUSIONS Our study used a multifactor approach, including web surveillance, test purchasing, and analytical chemistry, to assess risk factors associated with purchasing antibiotics online. Results provide evidence of possible safety risks, including substandard packaging and shipment, falsification of product information and markings, detection of undeclared chemicals, high variability of quality across samples, and payment for orders being defrauded. Beyond immediate patient safety risks, these falsified and substandard products could exacerbate the ongoing public health threat of antimicrobial resistance by circulating substandard product to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alan K Jarmusch
- Collaborative Mass Spectrometry Innovation Center, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Qing Xu
- S-3 Research, San Diego, CA, United States.,Department of Healthcare Technology and Policy, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Kunyang Sun
- Collaborative Mass Spectrometry Innovation Center, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Aileen Lu
- Collaborative Mass Spectrometry Innovation Center, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Shaden Aguirre
- Collaborative Mass Spectrometry Innovation Center, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Jessica Lim
- Collaborative Mass Spectrometry Innovation Center, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Simran Bhakta
- Collaborative Mass Spectrometry Innovation Center, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Pieter C Dorrestein
- Collaborative Mass Spectrometry Innovation Center, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
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6
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Edessa D, Assefa N, Dessie Y, Asefa F, Dinsa G, Oljira L. Non-prescribed antibiotic use for children at community levels in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Pharm Policy Pract 2022; 15:57. [PMID: 36180895 PMCID: PMC9524137 DOI: 10.1186/s40545-022-00454-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-prescribed antibiotic use is an emerging risky practice around the globe. An inappropriate use involving nonprescription access is one cause of the rapid increase in antibiotic resistance. Children commonly encounter many self-limiting illnesses for which they frequently use antibiotics without prescription. However, no specific and conclusive evidence exists to inform actions against this unsafe practice. We thus aimed to estimate the pooled proportion of non-prescribed antibiotic use for children at community levels in low- and middle-income countries. METHODS A systematic search of records was conducted from PubMed/Medline, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, and Google scholar. Eligible English-language publications were original articles which reported on community-based non-prescribed antibiotic use for children and conducted in low- and middle-income countries. Study features and the number of antibiotics used without prescriptions were extracted and pooled for effect sizes employing a random-effects model. The pooled proportion of non-prescribed antibiotic use was estimated as a percentage. RESULTS In this analysis, we included a total of 39 articles consisting of 40,450 participants. Of these, 16,315 participants used non-prescribed antibiotics. The pooled percentage for this use of non-prescribed antibiotics was 45% (95% CI: 40-50%). The estimate was considerably higher in studies involving simulated patient methods (56%; 95% CI: 49-62%) than those studies with community surveys (40%; 95% CI: 34-46%) (P = 0.001). It was also varied by the recall period of antibiotics use-56% (95% CI: 50-62%) for instantly observed practice, 36% (95% CI: 22-50%) for within two week recall, 35% (95% CI: 26-45%) for 1-6 months recall, and 46% (95% CI: 37-54%) for more than six months recall (P = 0.001). Primary access points for the non-prescribed antibiotic uses were retail drug outlets. CONCLUSIONS We found that nearly half of the antibiotics used for children in community settings were without prescriptions. For these unsafe practices, caregivers accessed antibiotics mainly from drug outlets. Hence, context-specific educational and regulatory interventions at these outlets and the community levels are the first steps to improving antibiotic usage for children in low- and middle-income countries. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42021288971 (PROSPERO). https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021288971 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Dumessa Edessa
- School of Pharmacy, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia. .,School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia.
| | - Nega Assefa
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Yadeta Dessie
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Fekede Asefa
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia.,Center for Biomedical Informatics, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center-Oak Ridge National Laboratory (UTHSC-ORNL, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Girmaye Dinsa
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia.,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Lemessa Oljira
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
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Yin X, Gong Y, Sun N, Li D, Wu J, Wang J, Qiu L, Li H. Prevalence of inappropriate use behaviors of antibiotics and related factors among chinese antibiotic users: an online cross-sectional survey. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:689. [PMID: 35964018 PMCID: PMC9375431 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07671-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Inappropriate use of antibiotics could have a profound negative impact on individual and community. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of inappropriate use behaviors of antibiotics in Chinese antibiotic users and explored their related factors. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted from July 1, 2018 to September 30, 2018. A structured questionnaire was widely distributed on the online survey platform (Questionnaire Star, https://www.wjx.cn) and was used to collect data from respondents in China on demographic and sociological characteristics, antibiotic use and related knowledge. Main outcomes included self-medication with antibiotics (SMA), self-storage with antibiotics (SSA), and non-adherence to antibiotic treatment (NAAT). Logistic regression was used to identify the related factors of above inappropriate use behaviors of antibiotics. Results Of the 15,526 participants, 37.1% reported SMA in the past 6 months, 67.9% reported SSA in the past 6 months, and 48.3%, 15.2%, 25.5% and 78.0% of respondents said that they had missed antibiotics, increased antibiotic dosage, decreased antibiotic dosage, and discontinued antibiotics once symptoms disappear, respectively. Overall, 53.3% reported NAAT during this period. After adjusting for other variables, multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that those aged 30–44 years old, with higher levels of education, poorer status of self-perceived health, or lower levels of antibiotic knowledge were more likely to have these inappropriate use behaviors of SMA, SSA, and NAAT (P < 0.05). Conclusions The prevalence of SMA, SSA, and NAAT is high in China. Developing a nationwide action plan for the rational use of antibiotics among publics, including national media publicity, online and offline health education, and medication guidance from general practitioners, is urgently needed. Self-medication with antibiotics, self-storage with antibiotics, and non-adherence to antibiotic treatment are important performances of inappropriate use behaviors of antibiotics. The results of this study showed that the prevalence of inappropriate use behaviors of antibiotics among Chinese antibiotic users were between 37.1% and 67.9%. A nationwide action plan for rational use of antibiotics is urgently needed in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxv Yin
- School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanhong Gong
- School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Na Sun
- School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Dandan Li
- School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianxiong Wu
- School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Wang
- School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Qiu
- International School of Public Health and One Health, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570100, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hui Li
- School of Health Services Management, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, People's Republic of China.
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Abdelmalek SMA, Mousa A. Azithromycin Misuse During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study from Jordan. Infect Drug Resist 2022; 15:747-755. [PMID: 35264858 PMCID: PMC8900634 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s351827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Since coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) became a global pandemic, repurposing known drugs was the quickest way to combat the disease. The initial screening revealed that azithromycin (AZM) might have potential against COVID-19. Although clinical trials did not prove such efficacy, many countries have put AZM within their guidelines for treating COVID-19. Therefore, the present study was designed to assess the misuse of AZM in Jordan during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods and Results A cross-sectional study was conducted among community pharmacies in Jordan from March 27 to May 8, 2021, and 184 pharmacies data were collected from the Google forms. During COVID-19, 42.9% of pharmacies sold more than 20 packs of prescribed AZM per month compared to 46.7% of pharmacies used to sell 0-5 packs AZM prescriptions per month before the pandemic. During COVID-19, pharmacists significantly dispensed AZM with and without prescriptions 107% and 127%, respectively, more than before the pandemic (p < 0.0001). Overall, pharmacists stocked 121% more AZM packs during COVID-19 than before the pandemic (p < 0.0001). Additionally, most pharmacists (59.7%) believed that AZM could cure COVID-19 patients. However, using multinomial logistic regression analysis, low-experienced pharmacists were unsure if AZM could positively affect COVID-19 patients (p < 0.05, OR = 3.76, 95% CI = 1.23-11.52). Furthermore, low-experienced pharmacists believed that increased use of AZM for the treatment of viral infections could lead to negative consequences (p < 0.001, OR = 0.161, 95% CI 0.063-0.414). Conclusion This study demonstrated that AZM is misused by physicians, pharmacists, and the public in Jordan. Since AZM efficacy on SARS-CoV-2 is scarce, there is a need for new guidelines by governmental health authorities to implement strict enforcement of AZM dispensing during COVID-19 to avoid negative consequences of bacterial resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne M A Abdelmalek
- Department of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Petra, Amman, Jordan
| | - Abdelrahman Mousa
- Department of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Petra, Amman, Jordan
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Luo Y, Tang X, Ding L, Shao Z, Yu J, Chen Y, Zhou Y, He H, Chen Z. Non-prescriptionxx antibiotic use for people aged 15 years or older for cough in China: a community-based survey. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2021; 10:129. [PMID: 34461998 PMCID: PMC8404186 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-021-00998-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-prescription antibiotic use at community is a main driver of antimicrobial resistance. Cough is a common condition and prevalent in all townships, including China. This study aims to investigate the non-prescription antibiotic use for cough in China and explore to which extent antibiotic use knowledge was correctly instructed in communities. METHODS A probability-proportionate-to-size sampling method was adopted to survey from all 14 townships in Yiwu city, China. All participants were investigated by face-to-face interview on Portable Android Devices. The continuous variables were presented by mean and standard deviation or medium and inter-quartile range (IQR). The categorical variables were presented using percentage or constituent ratio. Chi-square test for univariate analysis and logistic regression for multivariate analysis were conducted to assess the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals, respectively. RESULTS A total of 3034 respondents across all the 14 townships and the 50 natural villages/streets completed all key items of the questionnaire. Of 2400 (79.10%) respondents stated that they experienced cough in the past 12 months with the medium age of 36.5 (IQR: 26-49) and 12.21% (293/2400) respondents had the non-prescription antibiotic use behavior. Among those 293 respondents, the proportion of non-prescription antibiotic use for cough peaked at around 16% among people aged 30-39 years old. The major sources of antibiotics were pharmacy (77.70%) and/or family storage (43.92%). CONCLUSIONS Non-prescription antibiotics use for cough is prevalent in the community, especially among people in their thirties. Strengthened drug purchase regulation and well-trained professional pharmacists would be promising alternatives to ameliorate AMR. Moreover, penetrating antibiotics knowledge to common citizens and is an urgent task to alleviate antimicrobial resistance. Therefore, proactive policies and regulations should be made to improve current situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Luo
- Institute for Immunization and Prevention, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 3399 Binsheng Road, Binjiang district, Hangzhou City, 310051, Zhejiang Province, China.,Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xuewen Tang
- Institute for Immunization and Prevention, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 3399 Binsheng Road, Binjiang district, Hangzhou City, 310051, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Linling Ding
- Institute for Immunization and Prevention, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 3399 Binsheng Road, Binjiang district, Hangzhou City, 310051, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zhujun Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Jianxing Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Yangqing Chen
- School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Institute for Immunization and Prevention, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 3399 Binsheng Road, Binjiang district, Hangzhou City, 310051, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Hanqing He
- Institute for Immunization and Prevention, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 3399 Binsheng Road, Binjiang district, Hangzhou City, 310051, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Zhiping Chen
- Institute for Immunization and Prevention, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 3399 Binsheng Road, Binjiang district, Hangzhou City, 310051, Zhejiang Province, China.
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