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Saadeh W, Chaccour S, Rahme D, Lahoud N, Saleh N. The hidden dangers lurking at home: Unveiling the prevalence of leftover antibiotics and its associated factors among Lebanese households. PUBLIC HEALTH IN PRACTICE 2024; 7:100485. [PMID: 38510659 PMCID: PMC10951703 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100485] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a major global concern. Irrational use of antibiotics including self-medication (SM) with leftovers without a medical prescription can be a leading cause. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and related factors of leftover antibiotics (LA) in Lebanese households. Study design A cross-sectional study of the Lebanese population was conducted between March and October 2022. Methods Through random proportional stratified sampling, a total of 494 families participated in this study. Data collection was carried out through phone calls using a comprehensive and reviewed questionnaire. The data was then analyzed using SPSS version 26. Logistic regression was utilized to identify the factors associated with LA, with the presence of LA in households as the dependent variable and other factors such as age, region of residence, and presence of elderly individuals at home as the independent variables. Results Among selected households, 118 households (23.89%) had LA. The most common type of antibiotic found was penicillin (59.84%). Most of the LA were in the form of tablets and capsules (94%) with valid expiration dates (87%). Antibiotics were mainly prescribed by doctors (61%), and the main reason for prescribing was acute respiratory tract infections (47.46%). SM was reported by 42.37% of the families with LA. A family with elderly patients (p = 0.002; OR = 2.23; 95% CI = 1.33-3.73) and those residing in Mount Lebanon (p = 0.019; OR = 2.28; 95% CI = 1.14-4.56) had significantly higher odds of having LA. Conclusion Leftover antibiotics were found in nearly a quarter of the addressed Lebanese families. Therefore, public educational campaigns should be launched to limit injudicious antibiotic use including SM, and to promote proper disposal of any leftovers. It is also crucial to adopt the One Health approach by developing national programs for the safe disposal of LA and implementing regulations to restrict the distribution of antibiotics in pharmacies without a prescription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wadih Saadeh
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Hadat, Lebanon
| | | | - Deema Rahme
- Pharmacy Practice Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d'Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nathalie Lahoud
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nadine Saleh
- Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Fanar, Lebanon
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Abbas S. The challenges of implementing infection prevention and antimicrobial stewardship programs in resource-constrained settings. ANTIMICROBIAL STEWARDSHIP & HEALTHCARE EPIDEMIOLOGY : ASHE 2024; 4:e45. [PMID: 38628374 PMCID: PMC11019578 DOI: 10.1017/ash.2024.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
The burden of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is disproportionately high in low and middle-income countries. Barriers to implementing effective antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention programs include the lack of a structural framework, consensus guidelines, educational opportunities, trained personnel, funding, and access to resources such as manpower, information technology, and diagnostics. Socioeconomic instability with supply chain interruptions, poor skilled staff retention, absence of mandates, and inadequate support to enforce existing policies further aggravates the situation. Failure to implement measures to tackle AMR and HAIs effectively will result in repercussions globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salma Abbas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Center, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
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Nisar M, Ashraf H, Ashfaq H. Metronidazole overexposure in children and its association with new-onset Crohn's disease (IBD). ANTIMICROBIAL STEWARDSHIP & HEALTHCARE EPIDEMIOLOGY : ASHE 2024; 4:e23. [PMID: 38415084 PMCID: PMC10897713 DOI: 10.1017/ash.2024.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Mudassir Nisar
- Department of Medicine, Services Institute of Medical Sciences, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Hamza Ashraf
- Department of Medicine, Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Haider Ashfaq
- Department of Medicine, Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
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Al-Tarawneh A, Ali T, Al-Taani GM. Public Patterns and Determinants of Antibiotic Self-Medication and Antibiotic Knowledge in Southern Jordan. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:98. [PMID: 38275327 PMCID: PMC10812463 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13010098] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic self-medication, which refers to acquisition and using antibiotics to treat infections based on personal experience and/or without a doctor's advice or prescription, is a significant public health issue jeopardizing patient health outcomes. The purpose of the present cross-sectional online survey was to assess the frequency of self-medication among the general public in various geographical locations in southern Jordan, as well as to examine the determinants to self-medication. The survey was distributed through several social media networks over the period November-December 2022, and included demographic information as well as items related to the use and abuse of antibiotics, information sources about antibiotics, the duration of use of antibiotics, and assessment of the public knowledge about appropriate antibiotic use. Inferential analysis, such as the Chi-Square test and logistic regression, were adopted to assess the associations between the different variables with self-medication. A total of 984 respondents were enrolled in the study. Of these, 752 had been using antibiotics during the last year. However, the self-medicating cases were 413 of the 752. The main source of information about the utilization of antibiotics among participants in the survey was pharmacists. The participants commonly (36.0%) tended to use antibiotics until the symptoms disappeared. Nearly half of the respondents reported usually taking antibiotics for treating a runny nose (rhinorrhea). The logistic regression analysis indicated that self-medication with antibiotics was significantly associated with female gender (p-value < 0.001), low educational level (p-value = 0.014), rural living location (p-value 0.003), no health insurance (p-value = 0.001) and occupation (p-value = 0.005). Meanwhile age had no significant relationship to self-medication. Finally, the results revealed poor understanding of key appropriate antibiotic usage, which inevitably influences self-medication practice. It is crucial to come up with several programs and governmental policies to suppress widespread antibiotic self-medication as it will affect the health of future generations of Jordanian citizens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa Al-Tarawneh
- Department of Allied Medical Sciences, Karak University College, Al-Balqa Applied University, Karak 19117, Jordan; (A.A.-T.); (T.A.)
| | - Tasneem Ali
- Department of Allied Medical Sciences, Karak University College, Al-Balqa Applied University, Karak 19117, Jordan; (A.A.-T.); (T.A.)
| | - Ghaith M Al-Taani
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, Jordan
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Qu W, Wang X, Liu Y, Mao J, Liu M, Zhong Y, Gao B, Zhao M, Gao Y. Self-Medication with Antibiotics Among Children in China: A Cross-Sectional Study of Parents' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:7683-7694. [PMID: 38144221 PMCID: PMC10741740 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s431034] [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: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) among children is a common practice in low-income and middle-income countries, which has accelerated antibacterial abuse. Objective This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and associated factors of SMA among children in China, including parents' knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards antibiotic use. Methods A cross-sectional study based on a structured questionnaire survey of parents was conducted in Nantong between July and September 2020. A total of 1699 respondents participated. Information on participants' demographic and family characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards antibiotics use was collected. Hierarchical binary logistic regression was used to examine the predictors of SMA among children. Results Among 1699 participants, 23.31% practiced SMA to their children in the past year. Cough (59.6%) was the most common symptom leading to self-medication and penicillins (85.4%) were the most commonly used drugs. Hierarchical regression indicated that parents with higher level of antibiotic knowledge scores (OR=1.163, 95% CI: 1.067-1.268) and buying antibiotics without a prescription from pharmacy (OR=1.475, 95% CI: 1.097-1.983) were more likely to practice SMA to their children both in urban and in rural areas. Storing antibiotics at home resulted in an increased likelihood of self-medication in urban areas but not in rural areas. In addition, there was also a higher probability of non-prescribed antibiotics in children without chronic diseases (OR=1.959, 95% CI:1.072-3.578). Conclusion The prevalence of SMA in children is high in China. Higher knowledge scores and practices of buying and storing non-prescribed antibiotics behaviors increased parents' antibiotic self-medication in their children. Practical and effective education intervention for children's rational use of antibiotics is urgently strengthened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Qu
- Department of Health Management, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, People’s Republic of China
- Institute for Health Development, Nantong University, Nantong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Department of Health Management, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yufei Liu
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jinfeng Mao
- Institute for Health Development, Nantong University, Nantong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mengchi Liu
- National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yaqin Zhong
- Department of Health Management, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, People’s Republic of China
- Institute for Health Development, Nantong University, Nantong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bella Gao
- Ulink College of Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Miaomiao Zhao
- Department of Health Management, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuexia Gao
- Department of Health Management, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, People’s Republic of China
- Institute for Health Development, Nantong University, Nantong, People’s Republic of China
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Abbas M, Kashmiri K, Rehman IU, Ali Z, Rahman AU, Khalil A, Ming LC, Shafique M, Khan TM. Evaluation of healthcare professionals' understanding of fluoroquinolones' safety profile, usage, and boxed warnings in Pakistan. J Pharm Policy Pract 2023; 16:154. [PMID: 38012805 PMCID: PMC10680351 DOI: 10.1186/s40545-023-00674-6] [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: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fluoroquinolones (FQs) is a distinct class of antibiotics which are prescribed and used quite frequently worldwide, despite the box warnings (BW) issued by Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Literature has shown in spite of BWs related to FQs there is minimal impact on health care professionals (HCPs) prescribing habits, potentially attributing towards limited and insufficient awareness. In Pakistan, FQs are mostly prescribed antibiotics for microbial treatments, therefore the purpose of this study was to determine the level of knowledge about the safety profile, use, and BW of FQs among HCPs working in Pakistan. METHODS A cross-sectional study was undertaken among the HCPs of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan from October 2022 to December 2022. A validated questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge of HCPs regarding FQs, its safety profile and BW. A random convenient sample technique was used while recruiting HCPs in this study. As the HCPs comprised physicians, dentists, pharmacist and nurses, all were approached in person and the study objective was fully elaborated and explained to them. The statistic test like: one-way ANOVA, independent-t test, multivariate logistic regression were used keeping the p-value < 0.05 as statistically significant. RESULTS A total of n = 250 HCPs were approached, of which n = 186 HCPs completed the questionnaire with a response rate of 74.4%. FQs prescribing pattern was only assessed among the prescribers, i.e., physicians and dentists (39/186). The mean knowledge score for indications was 5.29 ± 3.05, while for the adverse effects was 7.70 ± 2.61. The highest score for knowledge for indications and adverse effect score was achieved by physicians followed by dentist. The mean knowledge score for the BW was 3.46 ± 2.93 and among the HCPs for the BW of FQs, 20.4% of the HCPs had appropriate knowledge score (score ≥ 50%). The knowledge score was significantly higher in males (p = 0.039), dentists (p = 0.001), HCPs having master/specialization level of education (p = 0.003), HCPs working in government sector hospitals (p = 0.010) and secondary care hospitals (p = 0.001) while the multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that HCPs working in primary care hospital (OR: 6.2) and secondary care hospital (OR: 20.3) were associated with the tendency to achieve 50% or above knowledge score. CONCLUSION Findings of this study reveals the unsatisfactory knowledge of HCPs regarding the safety profile, use, and BW of FQs putting patients at heightened risks of FQs associated AEs. Therefore, it is crucial to implement a national antimicrobial stewardship program, seminars and lectures aimed at continuously updating the knowledge of HCPs, regardless of their specialties, and effectively restrict the misuse of antimicrobial and disseminate FDA BWs in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Abbas
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Kashif Kashmiri
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Inayat Ur Rehman
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan.
| | - Zahid Ali
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Aziz Ur Rahman
- Department of Urology, North West General Hospital and Research Center, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Asad Khalil
- Department of Medicine, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Long Chiau Ming
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Shafique
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Shaqra University, Shaqra, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Tahir Mehmood Khan
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
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Gul B, Sana M, Saleem A, Mustafa ZU, Salman M, Khan YH, Mallhi TH, Sono TM, Meyer JC, Godman BB. Antimicrobial Dispensing Practices during COVID-19 and the Implications for Pakistan. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1018. [PMID: 37370337 PMCID: PMC10294926 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12061018] [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: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotics are one of the most frequently dispensed classes of medicines. However, excessive misuse and abuse enhances antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Previous studies in Pakistan have documented extensive dispensing of 'Watch' and 'Reserve' antibiotics, which is a concern. In view of this, there is a need to assess current dispensing patterns following COVID-19 in Pakistan. A cross-sectional study was undertaken, collecting dispensing data from 39 pharmacies and 53 drug stores from November 2022 to February 2023. Outlets were principally in urban areas (60.9%), with pharmacists/pharmacy technicians present in 32.6% of outlets. In total, 11,092 prescriptions were analyzed; 67.1% of patients were supplied at least one antimicrobial, 74.3% antibiotics, 10.2% antifungals and 7.9% anthelmintics. A total of 33.2% of antimicrobials were supplied without a prescription. Common indications for dispensed antibiotics were respiratory (34.3%) and gastrointestinal (16.8%) infections, which can be self-limiting. In addition, 12% of antibiotics were dispensed for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19. The most frequent antibiotics dispensed were ceftriaxone (18.4%) and amoxicillin (15.4%). Overall, 59.2% antibiotics were 'Watch' antibiotics, followed by 'Access' (40.3%) and 'Reserve' (0.5%) antibiotics. Of the total antibiotics dispensed for treating COVID-19, 68.3% were 'Watch' and 31.7% 'Access'. Overall, there appeared to be an appreciable number of antibiotics dispensed during the recent pandemic, including for patients with COVID-19, alongside generally extensive dispensing of 'Watch' antibiotics. This needs to be urgently addressed with appropriate programs among pharmacists/pharmacy technicians to reduce AMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bushra Gul
- Department of Medicines, Tehsil Head Quarter (THQ) Hospital, District Bhakkar, Darya Khan 3000, Punjab, Pakistan;
| | - Maria Sana
- Department of Medicine, Faisalabad Medical University, Faisalabad 38000, Punjab, Pakistan; (M.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Aneela Saleem
- Department of Medicine, Faisalabad Medical University, Faisalabad 38000, Punjab, Pakistan; (M.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Zia Ul Mustafa
- Discipline of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor 11800, Penang, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmacy Services, District Headquarter (DHQ) Hospital, Pakpattan 57400, Punja, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Salman
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical and Allied Health Sciences, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore 54000, Punja, Pakistan;
| | - Yusra Habib Khan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka 72388, Saudi Arabia; (Y.H.K.); (T.H.M.)
| | - Tauqeer Hussain Mallhi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka 72388, Saudi Arabia; (Y.H.K.); (T.H.M.)
| | - Tiyani Milta Sono
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, Gauteng, South Africa; (T.M.S.); (J.C.M.)
- Saselamani Pharmacy, Saselamani 0928, Limpopo, South Africa
| | - Johanna C. Meyer
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, Gauteng, South Africa; (T.M.S.); (J.C.M.)
- South African Vaccination and Immunisation Centre, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Brian B. Godman
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, Gauteng, South Africa; (T.M.S.); (J.C.M.)
- Department of Pharmacoepidemiology, Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science (SIPBS), University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
- Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
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Hashmi A, Ul Haq MI, Malik M, Hussain A, Gajdács M, Jamshed S. Perceptions of community pharmacists regarding their role in antimicrobial stewardship in Pakistan: A way forward. Heliyon 2023; 9:e14843. [PMID: 37025891 PMCID: PMC10070906 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Antimicrobial resistance is one of the biggest challenges to healthcare resulting in increased morbidity and mortality, and associated with drug resistant infections. Community pharmacists (CPs) can play a key role in antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs to aid the prudent use of antibiotics, and in infection prevention and control. Objective The aim of this study was to assess perceptions of CPs regarding their role, awareness, collaboration, facilitators and barriers towards effective AMS practices in Pakistan. Method ology: A descriptive, cross-sectional study design was adopted, where convenience and snowball sampling methods were applied to enroll respondents (pharmacists working at these community pharmacies in different cities of Pakistan) of the study. After sample size determination, n = 386 CPs were enrolled. A pre-validated questionnaire was used regarding CPs roles and perceptions in association with AMS. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v. 21. Results The results of the study reported that 57.3% (n = 221) of CPs had strong familiarity with term AMS. 52.1% (n = 201) of CPs agreed that they require adequate training to undertake activities in AMS programmes in their setting. The results of the study showed that 92.7% (n = 358) of the pharmacists thought real time feedback would be helpful. Significant association was observed in AMS awareness, approach, collaboration and barriers with regards to the respondents' gender, age groups and levels of experience in a community pharmacy. Conclusions The study concluded that CPs were aware of AMS programmes, their relevance and necessity of AMS in their everyday practice, but had inadequate training and resources to implement it in Pakistan.
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