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Alkhuraisi LS, Mirghani H, Al Qahtani MM, Alrezqi WA, Alfaifi IA, Jathmi AS, Jathmi AS, Aianazi NS. Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Antibiotic Resistance Among General Population in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study. Cureus 2023; 15:e51053. [PMID: 38269240 PMCID: PMC10806351 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51053] [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] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antibiotic resistance is a global public health concern, and understanding the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of the general population is essential for effective prevention and management. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the KAP of antibiotic resistance among adults in Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between August 2023 and October 2023, 1000 participants aged 16-65 years from various regions in Saudi Arabia were surveyed using an online questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Excel and IBM SPSS Statistics version 27.0.0 (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.). The sociodemographic characteristics of the participants were examined, and KAP variables towards antibiotic resistance were explored through a range of statistical methods, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. Significance was defined as a p-value of ≤0.05. RESULTS The majority of participants were Saudi natives (98.1%) with ages between 16 and 25 years (38%), and over half were female (55.7%). More than half held a university degree (54.7%), mainly in non-medical fields (73.3%), and a significant portion reported a monthly income above 10,000 Saudi Riyals (49.7%). Regarding knowledge, 76.5% were aware of antibiotic resistance, but only 24.2% correctly identified its causes. Attitude assessments showed that 50.8% never used antibiotics as a preventive measure, and 47.3% always followed medical prescriptions. Practices revealed that 50.5% rarely used antibiotics, and 68.8% obtained antibiotic prescriptions from doctors. Additionally, 68.9% stopped taking antibiotics only after completing the course. CONCLUSION It is important to implement health education campaigns aimed at the public, emphasize the role of health care providers in health education for the general public, and enforce stringent regulations to control the non-prescription dispensing of antibiotics. However, further studies are needed on this subject in the future.
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Albalawi L, Alhawiti AS, Alnasser D, Alhumaidi J, Alrashidi T, Alnawmasi AM, Ali MAS, Alqifari S, Alshareef H. Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices among Pharmacy and Non-Pharmacy Interns in Saudi Arabia Regarding Antibiotic Use and Antibiotic Resistance: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11091283. [PMID: 37174825 PMCID: PMC10178345 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11091283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This cross-sectional descriptive study aims to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices among pharmacy, dentistry, medicine, and nursing interns in Saudi Arabia regarding antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance. Interns received a soft copy of a structured and validated self-administered questionnaire using an online survey platform. A total of 266 interns responded to the questionnaire. On average, the participants achieved good scores in the knowledge and practice domains, followed by the attitude domain. The average knowledge percentage was 76.1% (SD 17.1) compared to 84.6% (SD 20.5) for practices and 61.5% (SD 23.2) for attitudes. The results suggest that pharmacy interns had insignificantly better overall scores compared to non-pharmacy interns for knowledge, attitudes, and practices. This study shows that the scores for knowledge, attitudes, and practices of pharmacy, dentistry, medicine, and nursing interns regarding antibiotic use and resistance were high overall. However, interns' belief in their responsibility in preventing antibiotic resistance is lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laila Albalawi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abeer S Alhawiti
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dania Alnasser
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Tahani Alrashidi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Mostafa A S Ali
- Pharmacy Practice Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt
| | - Saleh Alqifari
- Pharmacy Practice Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hanan Alshareef
- Pharmacy Practice Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
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Fallatah MS, Alzahrani AA, Alghamdi GS, Sadagah MM, Alkharji TM. Patient Beliefs on Antibiotic Prescribing in Primary Care: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Saudi Arabia. Cureus 2023; 15:e38254. [PMID: 37261169 PMCID: PMC10226837 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.38254] [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] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Antibiotic overuse is a critical global health issue, and patient attitudes and expectations play a significant role in the inappropriate use of antibiotics. Limited research has been conducted on patient knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of antibiotic use in Saudi Arabia. This survey aimed to assess patients' knowledge and attitudes related to antibiotic use in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional survey using a convenience sampling method was conducted in Saudi Arabia. An online self-administered questionnaire was used to collect demographic data, antibiotic knowledge, and attitudes. Results The study included 400 patients, with a mean age of 39 years and an equal gender distribution (54% female). Most participants (75%) had not used antibiotics in the past year. Patients demonstrated moderate knowledge about antibiotics, with 81% recognizing that antibiotics can cause side effects and 69% knowing that overuse can lead to resistance. However, only 44% knew that antibiotics are not effective for all infections, and only half (50%) knew that antibiotics work against bacteria, not viruses. Patients held mixed attitudes toward antibiotic prescribing, with 25% believing it was essential to take antibiotics for every infection and 44% believing healthcare providers should prescribe antibiotics for respiratory tract infections. Logistic regression analyses showed that patient expectations for antibiotic prescribing were strongly associated with inappropriate antibiotic use. In contrast, patient satisfaction with antibiotic prescribing was negatively associated with inappropriate antibiotic use. Lower health literacy levels were also associated with inappropriate antibiotic use. Conclusion The study underscores the need for interventions that promote patient education and communication to ensure appropriate antibiotic use in primary care. Patient attitudes and beliefs, such as their expectations for antibiotic prescribing and health literacy levels, were identified as significant predictors of inappropriate antibiotic use.
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Saleh Alsowaida Y, Thabit AK, Almangour TA, Bin Saleh K, Mahrous A, Saeed Almutairi M, Alshehail B, Aljefri D, Mohzari Y, Alfahad W, Almohaizeie A, Eljaaly K. Infectious diseases pharmacy practice, education, and research in Saudi Arabia: A review and future perspectives by the Infectious Diseases Pharmacy Specialty Network at the Saudi Society of Clinical Pharmacy. Saudi Pharm J 2022; 30:1836-1843. [PMID: 36601505 PMCID: PMC9805964 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2022.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Infectious diseases (ID) pharmacy is one of the rapidly evolving clinical pharmacy specialties in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). There are gaps in the literature on ID pharmacy status in KSA. This review aimed to provide an update on the current status of several areas related to ID pharmacy in KSA, including practice, education, and research, and make pertinent recommendations for future development to achieve the KSA Vision, 2030, KSA Vision, 2030. Methods This review was developed by a group of ID pharmacists working in different sectors under the umbrella of the ID Pharmacy Specialty Network (PSN) of the Saudi Society of Clinical Pharmacy (SSCP). The authors evaluated domains related to ID pharmacy in KSA and searched the literature for relevant articles. Based on the experts' assessment of the current gaps and challenges, recommendations were made for future improvement. Results Several aspects of ID pharmacy in KSA were evaluated, including history and development, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASP), roles of ID pharmacists, ID pharmacy education, and research. The biggest challenges include AMR, the varying levels of ASP implementation, and the low number of ID-trained pharmacists, especially in non-major cities. Several recommendations for improvement were discussed. Conclusion Infectious diseases pharmacy has sustained remarkable progress in KSA in several areas. However, more efforts are needed to increase ASP implementation, increase the number of ID-trained pharmacists, and encourage ID pharmacists in publishing and participating in practice guidelines, which will eventually help achieve the KSA Vision, 2030, KSA Vision, 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yazed Saleh Alsowaida
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Hail University, P.O. Box 6166, Hail 81442, Saudi Arabia,Division of Infectious Diseases, the Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA,Corresponding author at: Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Hail University, P.O. Box 6166, Hail 81442, Saudi Arabia, Division of Infectious Diseases, the Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, US.
| | - Abrar K. Thabit
- Pharmacy Practice Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Thamer A. Almangour
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Bin Saleh
- College of Pharmacy, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, P.O. Box 3660, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia,King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, P.O. Box 3660, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia,Pharmaceutical Care Department, King Abdulaziz Medical City, P.O. Box 3660, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad Mahrous
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Masaad Saeed Almutairi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Qassim 51452, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bashayer Alshehail
- Pharmacy Practice Department, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Doaa Aljefri
- Department of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yahya Mohzari
- Pharmaceutical Care Division, King Saud Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wafa Alfahad
- Department of Pharmacy Services, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulah Almohaizeie
- Pharmaceutical care division, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center and, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Eljaaly
- Pharmacy Practice Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Muacevic A, Adler JR, Almqaiti A. Public Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Towards Antibiotic Use and Antimicrobial Resistance in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia. Cureus 2022; 14:e31857. [PMID: 36579287 PMCID: PMC9789746 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.31857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the major concerns for global health. Inappropriate use of antibiotics is speeding up the process of AMR. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of the population of the western region of Saudi Arabia towards antibiotic use and AMR. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire via social media platforms. It consisted of four parts: first, the participant's sociodemographic characteristics. Second, an assessment of the knowledge of antibiotic use and AMR. The third and fourth parts are to evaluate the attitude and practices towards antibiotic use and AMR. Results From a total of 501 participants, 379 (75.6%) were females, and 354 (70.7%) of the participants had a college degree. Regarding the overall knowledge of antibiotics and AMR, 277 (55.29%) of the respondents had poor knowledge. In addition, 443 (88.42%) of the participants also reported having an inadequate attitude. Moreover, inadequate practices related to the use of antibiotics were also reported among 305 (60.89%) of the participants. Factors associated with the level of knowledge are gender, age, educational level, and occupational status. Regarding occupation, being in a medical job was associated with a better knowledge of antibiotics and AMR than other occupations. Conclusion Our study revealed poor overall knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward antibiotics and AMR among participants. Conducting educational health campaigns for the public that aim to promote awareness and enhance good practices, emphasizing the role of health care providers in health education for the public, and enforcing strict regulations to control the non-prescription dispensing of antibiotics will help to combat this issue. However, future research on this topic is required.
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Hays JP, Safain KS, Almogbel MS, Habib I, Khan MA. Extended Spectrum- and Carbapenemase-Based β-Lactam Resistance in the Arabian Peninsula-A Descriptive Review of Recent Years. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:1354. [PMID: 36290012 PMCID: PMC9598294 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11101354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global problem that also includes countries of the Arabian Peninsula. Of particular concern, is the continuing development of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) in the countries of this region. Additionally, antibiotic treatment options for ESBL-producing bacteria are becoming limited, primarily due to the continuing development of carbapenem resistance (CR), carbapenems being frequently used to treat such infections. An overview of recent publications (2018-2021) indicates the presence of ESBL and/or CR in patients and hospitals in most countries of the Arabian Peninsula, although the delay between microbial isolation and publication inevitably makes an accurate analysis of the current situation rather difficult. However, there appears to be greater emphasis on CR (including combined ESBL and CR) in recent publications. Furthermore, although publications from Saudi Arabia are the most prevalent, this may simply reflect the increased interest in ESBL and CR within the country. Enhanced ESBL/CR surveillance is recommended for all countries in the Arabian Peninsula.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Philip Hays
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Centre (Erasmus MC), Rotterdam 3015 GD, the Netherlands
| | - Kazi Sarjana Safain
- Department of Microbiological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | | | - Ihab Habib
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 1555, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mushtaq Ahmad Khan
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
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Alnasser AHA, Al-Tawfiq JA, Ahmed HAA, Alqithami SMH, Alhaddad ZMA, Rabiah ASM, Albrahim MAA, Al Kalif MSH, Barry M, Temsah MH, Al-Kalaif ZSH, Shahadah RFB, Alharbi KKS, Alnasser AAH. Public knowledge, attitude and practice towards antibiotics use and antimicrobial resistance in Saudi Arabia: A web-based cross-sectional survey. J Public Health Res 2021; 10. [PMID: 34313091 PMCID: PMC8715265 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2021.2276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Antimicrobial resistance is a global issue that causes significant morbidity and mortality. Therefore, this study aims to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of the general Saudi populations toward antibiotics use. Design and method: A cross-sectional, anonymous online survey was conducted from January 1 to May 11, 2020, across five major regions of Saudi Arabia. Participants (aged ≥18 years) were invited through social media to complete an online self-structured questionnaire. All data were analyzed by Statistical Package (SPSS v. 25). Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s Chi-squared, t-tests, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Pearson correlation analyses were conducted. Results: Out of 443 participants, the majority (n=309, 69.8%) were females, 294 (64.4%) were married, 176 (39.7%) were 25-34 years of age, 338 (76.3%) were living in the Eastern Province, 313 (70.7%) had college or higher education, 139 (31.4%) were not working, and 163 (36.8%) had a monthly income of USD 800-1330. Overall, most participants demonstrated good knowledge and practice (88% and 85.6%, respectively). However, 76.8%had inadequate attitude score levels towards antibiotics use. Of all the respondents, 74.9% knew that not completing a full course of antibiotics may cause antibiotics resistance, 91.33% did not agree that antibiotics should be accessed without a prescription, and 94.04% will not hand over leftover antibiotics to family members. Factors associated with adequate knowledge were female, medical jobs, and higher income (p<0.05). Conclusions: Our findings revealed that while most participants were aware of antibiotics use and demonstrated good knowledge, good practices, they had negative attitudes towards antibiotics use. Significance for public health Antibiotics are considered the miracle of medicine that can cure patients with infectious diseases. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, few studies described antimicrobial practices. Most of the surveys were limited to certain areas. Therefore, this study assessed general knowledge, practices, and attitudes towards antibiotics use in multiple regions of Saudi Arabia. The findings could be used to assess the level of awareness about antibiotic use and may help policymakers to develop plans, laws, and programs to limit misuse of antibiotics and to preserve the health of the general population of Saudi Arabia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Hassan A Alnasser
- Department of Laboratory, Dhahran Eye Specialist Hospital, Ministry of Health, Dhahran 31942, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Jaffar A Al-Tawfiq
- Infectious Disease Unit, Specialty Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | - Maryam Ali A Albrahim
- Department of Dentistry, Dammam Medical Complex, Ministry of Health, Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mohammed Sheker H Al Kalif
- Department of Public Health, College of Public Health, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia, Technical and Vocational Training Corporation, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mazin Barry
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University and King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mohamad-Hani Temsah
- Pediatric Department, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | | | | | - Khulud Khalid S Alharbi
- College of Applied Medical Science, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, The Panuska College of Professional Studies, The University of Scranton, Scranton, PA, USA.
| | - Aqeela Ali H Alnasser
- Al-Awjam First Secondary School for Girls, Al-Qatif Girls Education Office, General Administration of Education in the Eastern Region, Ministry of Education, Qatif, Saudi Arabia.
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Ukuhor HO. The interrelationships between antimicrobial resistance, COVID-19, past, and future pandemics. J Infect Public Health 2021; 14:53-60. [PMID: 33341485 PMCID: PMC7831651 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2020.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 was first reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and is associated with high levels of morbidity and mortality. Various types of bacterial and fungal infections occur in patients with COVID-19 with some resistant to antimicrobials that are associated with significantly worse outcomes and deaths. Besides, antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) co-infections are responsible for clinically significant mortality in past pandemics. There is evidence to suggest that factors such as the proliferation of adulterated antimicrobials in some developing countries, international travels, issues with healthcare financing, use/misuse by humans, and in agricultural production and climate change are determinants of AMR at various levels of society. These complex interrelated determinants intersect with AMR in current and past pandemics and could amplify the potential of a future antimicrobial resistance pandemic. Therefore, global concerted interventions targeted at all levels of society to reduce the use/misuse of antimicrobials and disrupt these multifaceted, interrelated, and interdependent factors are urgently needed. This paper leverages prior research to describe complex major determinants of antimicrobial resistance and provides fresh insights into possible intervention strategies to tackle antimicrobial resistance including in the current and future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyacinth O Ukuhor
- Saudi Electronic University, Department of Public Health, P. O. Box 93499, Riyadh 11673, Saudi Arabia.
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Alghamdi S, Berrou I, Aslanpour Z, Bajnaid E, Alzahrani A, Shebl NA. Perceptions regarding antimicrobial use and resistance among adult hospital patients in Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health (MOH) hospitals. Saudi Pharm J 2020; 28:1648-1654. [PMID: 33424257 PMCID: PMC7783113 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2020.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Education, a key strategy within antimicrobial stewardship programmes (ASPs), has been mainly directed towards healthcare professionals and prescribers more than hospitalised patients. Aim To examine patients' knowledge and perceptions of antibiotic use and resistance, while evaluating the institutional role of patient education on antibiotic use in two Saudi Arabian hospitals, one with an implemented ASP and one without an ASP. Method A cross-sectional self-administered survey was developed and piloted. A total of 400 surveys were distributed, 200 within the hospital with an ASP and another 200 within the hospital without an ASP. Data were coded and analysed. Ethical approval was obtained before the start of the study. Findings 176 patients responded to the survey with 150 surveys completed and analysed. 78% of patients agreed that they should only take an antibiotic when prescribed by the doctor, however they still tended to keep left over antibiotics for future use. 84% of patients were unaware 'antibiotic resistance', with 48% believing that antibiotics help them get better quicker when they had a 'cold'. Information on antibiotic use and resistance were provided to patients in the hospital with an ASP in contrast to the hospital without an ASP. Conclusion Overall there are poor perceptions regarding antibiotic use and resistance among hospital patients in Saudi Arabia. Patients in the hospital with ASP demonstrated greater knowledge during their hospitalisation. ASPs should not only focus on educating healthcare professionals but should involve the patients and seize the opportunity to educate them while hospitalised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saleh Alghamdi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Clinical Pharmacy, Albaha University, Albaha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ilhem Berrou
- Faculty of Health & Applied Sciences, University of the West of England, Staple Hill, Bristol, UK
| | - Zoe Aslanpour
- Department of Clinical, Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Eshtyag Bajnaid
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Services Administration, King Abdullah Medical City, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulhakim Alzahrani
- Pharmaceutical Care Department, King Fahad Hospital, Ministry of Health, Albaha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nada Atef Shebl
- Department of Clinical, Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
- Corresponding author at: Department of Clinical, Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, Health Research Building, College Lane, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL 10 9AB, UK.
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