scholarly journals What are the barriers to implementing national antimicrobial resistance action plans? A novel mixed-methods policy analysis in Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (8) ◽  
pp. 973-982
Author(s):  
Mishal S Khan ◽  
Anna Durrance-Bagale ◽  
Ana Mateus ◽  
Zia Sultana ◽  
Rumina Hasan ◽  
...  

Abstract Despite political commitment to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR), countries are facing challenges to implementing policies to reduce inappropriate use of antibiotics. Critical factors to the success of policy implementation in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), such as capacity for enforcement, contestation by influential stakeholders and financial interests, have been insufficiently considered. Using Pakistan as a case study representing a populous country with extremely high antibiotic usage, we identified 195 actors who affect policies on antibiotic use in humans and animals through a snowballing process and interviewed 48 of these who were nominated as most influential. We used a novel card game-based methodology to investigate policy actors’ support for implementation of different regulatory approaches addressing actions of frontline healthcare providers and antibiotic producers across the One Health spectrum. We found that there was only widespread support for implementing hard regulations (prohibiting certain actions) against antibiotic suppliers with little power—such as unqualified/informal healthcare providers and animal feed producers—but not to target more powerful groups such as doctors, farmers and pharmaceutical companies. Policy actors had limited knowledge to develop implementation plans to address inappropriate use of antibiotics in animals, even though this was recognized as a critical driver of AMR. Our results indicate that local political and economic dynamics may be more salient to policy actors influencing implementation of AMR national action plans than solutions presented in global guidelines that rely on implementation of hard regulations. This highlights a disconnect between AMR action plans and the local contexts where implementation takes place. Thus if the global strategies to tackle AMR are to become implementable policies in LMIC, they will need greater appreciation of the power dynamics and systemic constraints that relate to many of the strategies proposed.

Author(s):  
Sanjeev Singh ◽  
Esmita Charani ◽  
Sarada Devi ◽  
Anuj Sharma ◽  
Fabia Edathadathil ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The global concern over antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is gathering pace. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are at the epicentre of this growing public health threat and governmental and healthcare organizations are at different stages of implementing action plans to tackle AMR. The South Indian state of Kerala was one of the first in India to implement strategies and prioritize activities to address this public health threat. Strategies Through a committed and collaborative effort from all healthcare related disciplines and its professional societies from both public and private sector, the Kerala Public Private Partnership (PPP) has been able to deliver a state-wide strategy to tackle AMR A multilevel strategic leadership model and a multilevel implementation approach that included developing state-wide antibiotic clinical guidelines, a revision of post-graduate and undergraduate medical curriculum, and a training program covering all general practitioners within the state the PPP proved to be a successful model for ensuring state-wide implementation of an AMR action plan. Collaborative work of multi-professional groups ensured co-design and development of disease based clinical treatment guidelines and state-wide infection prevention policy. Knowledge exchange though international and national platforms in the form of workshops for sharing of best practices is critical to success. Capacity building at both public and private institutions included addressing practical and local solutions to the barriers e.g. good antibiotic prescription practices from primary to tertiary care facility and infection prevention at all levels. Conclusion Through 7 years of stakeholder engagement, lobbying with government, and driving change through co-development and implementation, the PPP successfully delivered an antimicrobial stewardship plan across the state. The roadmap for the implementation of the Kerala PPP strategic AMR plan can provide learning for other states and countries aiming to implement action plans for AMR.


Author(s):  
Dana Trevas ◽  
Angela M Caliendo ◽  
Kimberly Hanson ◽  
Jaclyn Levy ◽  
Christine C Ginocchio

Abstract Uptake of existing diagnostics to identify infections more accurately could minimize unnecessary antibiotic use and decrease the growing threat of antibiotic resistance. The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and the Presidential Advisory Council on Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria (PACCARB) agree that, to improve uptake of existing diagnostics, healthcare providers, health systems, and payors all need better clinical and economic outcomes data to support use of diagnostic tests over empiric use of antibiotics, providers need better tools and education about diagnostic tests, and diagnostics developers need federal funding in the absence of a viable diagnostics market. Recommendations from PACCARB and the IDSA are amplified. Incentives for—and challenges to—diagnostics research, development, and uptake are summarized. Advocacy opportunities are given for infectious disease professionals to join the fight against antimicrobial resistance.


2013 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Usman Hadi ◽  
Kuntaman Kuntaman ◽  
Mariyatul Qiptiyah ◽  
Hari Paraton

Background: Based on the results Antimicrobial Resistance in Indonesia: prevalence and prevention-study (AMRIN-study), the Ministry of Health of Indonesia in 2005 began a program antibiotic resistance control (PPRA) in some government hospitals, and is currently developing to all government teaching hospitals in Indonesia. Aim: The core activities of the PPRA are to implement standardized surveillance emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria, and the surveillance of antibiotic use in terms of quantity and quality. Method: Our research in the years 2003 showed the proportion of antibiotic use 84% of patients in a hospital. The use of inappropriate antibiotics was very high, 42% no indication. Result: In 2012 the results of surveillance showed decline of inappropriate use of antibiotic, but prevalence extended-spectrum b-lactamase (ESBL)-producing K.pneumoniae (58%), and E.coli (52%) andmethicillin-resistant S.aures (MRSA) (24%) were increasing. Conclusion: It was needed to implement the most appropriate programs to prevent the growth and development of bacteria resistant to antibiotics.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. e0259069
Author(s):  
Phuc Pham-Duc ◽  
Kavitha Sriparamananthan

Inappropriate use of antibiotics has been one of the main contributors to antimicrobial resistance, particularly in Southeast Asia. Different genders are prone to different antibiotic use practices. The objective of this scoping review is to understand the extent and type of evidence available on gender differences in antibiotic use across Southeast Asia. The search strategy for this scoping review involved PubMed, Semantic Scholar, BioMed Central and ProQuest. Two-level screening was applied to identify the final sample of relevant sources. Thematic content analysis was then conducted on the selected final sources to identify recurring themes related to gender differences in antibiotic use and a narrative account was developed based on the themes. Recommendations for next steps regarding reducing inappropriate antibiotic use and gender considerations that need to be made when developing future interventions were also identified. Research on gender and antibiotic use remains scarce. Studies that discuss gender within the context of antibiotic use often mention differences between males and females in knowledge, attitudes and/or behaviour, however, do not explore reasons for these differences. Gender differences in antibiotic use were generally examined in terms of: (i) knowledge of antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance and (ii) practices related to antibiotic use. Evidence indicated that differences between males and females in knowledge and practices of antibiotic use varied greatly based on setting. This indicates that gender differences in antibiotic use are greatly contextual and intersect with other sociodemographic factors, particularly education and socioeconomic status. Educational interventions that are targeted to meet the specific needs of males and females and delivered through pharmacists and healthcare professionals were the most common recommendations for reducing inappropriate use of antibiotics in the community. Such targeted interventions require further qualitative research on factors influencing differences in knowledge and practices related to antibiotic use among males and females. In addition, there is also a need to strengthen monitoring and regulation practices to ensure accessibility to affordable, quality antibiotics through trusted sources.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mwaka Athuman Kakolwa ◽  
Susannah L. Woodd ◽  
Alexander M. Aiken ◽  
Fatuma Manzi ◽  
Giorgia Gon ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Overuse of antibiotics is a major challenge and undermines measures to control drug resistance worldwide. Postnatal women and newborns are at risk of infections and are often prescribed prophylactic antibiotics, although there is no evidence to support their universal use in either group. Methods: We performed point prevalence surveys in three hospitals in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in 2018 to collect descriptive data on antibiotic use and infections in maternity and neonatal wards. Results: Prescribing of antibiotics was high in all three hospitals ranging from 90% (43/48) to 100% (34/34) in women after cesarean section, from 1.4% (1/73) to 63%(30/48) in women after vaginal delivery, and from 89%(76/85) to 100%(77/77) in neonates. The most common reason for prescribing antibiotics was medical prophylaxis in both maternity and neonatal wards.Conclusion: We observed substantial overuse of antibiotics in postnatal women and newborns.This calls for urgent antibiotic stewardship programs in Tanzanian hospitals to curb the inappropriate use and limit the spread of antimicrobial resistance.


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (08) ◽  
pp. 678-689 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rixiang Xu ◽  
Tingyu Mu ◽  
Guan Wang ◽  
Jing Shi ◽  
Xin Wang ◽  
...  

Introduction: Self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) is common among university students in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, there has been no meta-analysis and systematic review in the population. Methodology: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase and Web of Science for the period from January 2000 to July 2018. Only observational studies that had SMA among university students from LMICs were included. A random-effects model was applied to calculate the pooled effect size with 95% confidence interval (CI) due to the expected heterogeneity (I2 over 50%). Results: The pooled prevalence of SMA of overall included studies was 46.0% (95% CI: 40.3% to 51.8%). Africa had the highest pooled prevalence of SMA among university students (55.30%), whereas South America had the lowest prevalence (38.3%). Among individual LMICs, the prevalence of SMA among university students varied from as low as 11.1% in Brazil to 90.7% in Congo. Conclusions: The practice of SMA is a widespread phenomenon among university students in LMICs and is frequently associated with inappropriate use. Effective interventions such as medication education and stricter governmental regulation concerning antibiotic use and sale are required to be established in order to deal with SMA properly.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Morris Chalusa ◽  
Felix Khuluza ◽  
Chiwoza Bandawe

Abstract Background: Antimicrobial resistance is an emerging problem in low- and middle-income countries. The problem is exacerbated by inappropriate prescription of antimicrobials. Factors leading to overuse or inappropriate prescription of antimicrobials by the cadre of medical assistants, clinical technicians and clinical officers have received limited attention. This study investigated factors that influence prescription behaviours of antimicrobials among clinical officers in various health facilities in Mulanje district, Southern Malawi. Methods: In-depth interviews (n=18) and focus group discussions (n=2) were conducted with COs from four health facilities in Mulanje district. Purposive sampling was done to arrive at a sample size of 30 health cadres. Results: Participants pointed out that patient preferences, belief and clinicians’ inadequate education on this issue were among the factors that contribute to inappropriate antimicrobial prescription. 75-% of clinicians showed lack of knowledge on the definition of antibiotic and antimicrobial resistance.Conclusion: Inappropriate use of antimicrobials is facilitated by prescribing decisions made by clinicians who are greatly influenced by their patients. Interventions aimed at improving antimicrobial prescription should target both clinicians and patients.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wuraola Akande-Sholabi ◽  
Amen T. Ajamu

Abstract Background Inappropriate use of antibiotics is a major cause of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Inadequate knowledge about AMR among healthcare students could affect their practice of antimicrobial stewardship as future healthcare professionals. This study aims to assess the use of antibiotics and knowledge of AMR among future healthcare professionals of a Nigerian University. Methods Respondents’ knowledge of antimicrobial resistance, use of antibiotics, and source of antibiotics in the past 12 months was explored using a self-administered questionnaire. Multivariate analyses were used to evaluate the relationship between specific variables and respondents’ knowledge. Results Of the 939 questionnaires administered to the students, 866 were filled given a response rate of 92.2 %. A total of (765; 88.3 %) of the respondents were aware that antimicrobial resistance makes it harder to eliminate the infection from the body as existing drugs become less effective. In all 824, (95.2 %) of the respondents had use antibiotics in the past 12 months. The use of antibiotics to treat malaria was self-reported by (175; 21.2 %). About half (432; 52.4 %) purchased the antibiotics from community pharmacies, while others obtained their antibiotics from the hospitals (192; 23.3 %), patent medicine stores (150; 18.2 %), and friends and family (50; 6.1 %) in the last 12 months. In all 506, (58.4 %) had good knowledge of antimicrobial resistance. Logistic regression shows that students in 3rd to 6th year 9.29 [AOR = 9.29, 95 % CI: (3.7–22.96)], had greater knowledge of antimicrobial resistance. Conclusions The healthcare students demonstrated a moderate knowledge of AMR. This underscores the need to adopt several educational tactics to introduce the concepts of AMR to the students and ensure there are strict policies to regulate the flow of antibiotics.


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 2206
Author(s):  
Anita Kotwani ◽  
Jyoti Joshi ◽  
Anjana S. Lamkang ◽  
Ayushi Sharma ◽  
Deeksha Kaloni

Background: In Low-and Middle-Income Countries, including India, consumers often purchase antibiotics over-the-counter (OTC) from retail pharmacies. This practice leads to the inappropriate use of antibiotics in the community which is an important driver for the development of antimicrobial resistance. A better understanding of consumers’ views towards this grave public health concern is critical to developing evidence-based intervention programs for awareness among the general population. Objective: To explore knowledge, practice and, behavior of consumers towards antibiotics, antibiotic use, antimicrobial resistance, purchasing behavior of consumers for antibiotics, and to gain insight which will help in developing evidence-based policy interventions. Methods: 72 in-depth consumer interviews were conducted in all 11 districts of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. The qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results:  Our study found that retail pharmacies were the first point of consultation for common ailments for patients/consumers once home remedies failed; they were largely unaware of the threat of antimicrobial resistance. Consumers’ knowledge of antibiotic use and about antimicrobial resistance was low, they used old prescriptions, and bought antibiotics OTC to save time and money.  Despite the presence of regulations constituted to regulate the sale of antibiotics by the Government and the implementation of national campaigns, the practice of self-medication and behaviors such as OTC purchase, non-adherence to prescribed antibiotics was prevalent. Consumers perceive that antibiotics provide quick relief and accelerate the curing process and retail pharmacy shops try to protect their retail business interests by honoring old prescriptions and self-medication for antibiotics. Conclusions: The lack of awareness and insufficient knowledge about what antibiotics are and issues such as antimicrobial resistance or antibiotic resistance resulted in misuse of antibiotics by consumers. Limited access to public healthcare and affordability of private healthcare are factors that contribute towards the self-medication/OTC purchase of antibiotics. The regular misuse of antibiotics through irrational use reinforces the need for strong enactment of strategies like continuous community awareness campaigns. Mitigation efforts should focus upon educating consumers continuously and sustainably for the understanding of antibiotic misuse, antimicrobial resistance, and promote better compliance with regulations.


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