scholarly journals Racial/ethnic disparities in antibiotic use and healthcare utilization, United States, 2016/2018: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott W. Olesen ◽  
Sanjat Kanjilal ◽  
Stephen M. Kissler ◽  
Daphne S. Sun ◽  
Yonatan H. Grad
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Utilization ◽  
Underserved Populations ◽  
Ethnic Disparities ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Antibiotic Prescribing ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Antibiotic Overuse ◽  
Race Ethnicity ◽  
Racial Ethnic

ABSTRACTAntibiotic prescribing rates vary by patient race/ethnicity, with whites more likely to receive antibiotics and broader-spectrum antibiotics. However, the drivers of this disparity, and to what extent it represents antibiotic overuse or underprescribing of appropriate antibiotic treatment, remains unclear. Here, we investigate how antibiotic prescribing appropriateness varies by race/ethnicity and to what extent disparities in antibiotic use can be explained by differing rates of healthcare utilization. In data from two nationally representative healthcare utilization surveys, we found that racial/ethnic disparities in numbers of healthcare visits, not prescribers’ behavior, better explained disparities in antibiotic prescribing rates. We also found that the proportion of antibiotic prescriptions that were appropriate, potentially appropriate, or inappropriate did not vary significantly by race/ethnicity. These results suggest that whites’ higher antibiotic use is due primarily to increased healthcare utilization and that whites’ higher antibiotic use represents a mix of greater appropriate and inappropriate use. Thus, antibiotic stewardship goals should be informed by research into differing rates of antibiotic-treatable disease and healthcare seeking and access across different populations, to ensure that efforts to reduce inappropriate antibiotic overuse do not also reduce appropriate use in underserved populations.

scholarly journals Prescribers’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviors on Antibiotics, Antibiotic Use and Antibiotic Resistance in Jordan

Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 858
Author(s):  
Reema A. Karasneh ◽  
Sayer I. Al-Azzam ◽  
Mera Ababneh ◽  
Ola Al-Azzeh ◽  
Ola B. Al-Batayneh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Antibiotic Prescribing ◽  
Prescribing Practices ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Attitudes And Behaviors ◽  
And Behaviors ◽  
Ease Of Access

More research is needed on the drivers of irrational antibiotic prescribing among healthcare professionals and to ensure effective prescribing and an adequate understanding of the issue of antibiotic resistance. This study aimed at evaluating prescribers’ knowledge, attitudes and behaviors about antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance. A cross-sectional study was conducted utilizing an online questionnaire and included physicians and dentists from all sectors in Jordan. A total of 613 prescribers were included (physicians n = 409, dentists n = 204). Respondents’ knowledge on effective use, unnecessary use or associated side effects of antibiotics was high (>90%), compared with their knowledge on the spread of antibiotic resistance (62.2%). For ease of access to the required guidelines on managing infections, and to materials that advise on prudent antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance, prescribers agreed in 62% and 46.1% of cases, respectively. 28.4% of respondents had prescribed antibiotics when they would have preferred not to do so more than once a day or more than once a week. Among respondents who prescribed antibiotics, 63.4% would never or rarely give out resources on prudent use of antibiotics for infections. The findings are of importance to inform antibiotic stewardships about relevant interventions aimed at changing prescribers’ behaviors and improving antibiotic prescribing practices.

scholarly journals Trends and patterns of antibiotic prescribing at orthopedic inpatient departments of two private-sector hospitals in Central India: A 10-year observational study

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. e0245902
Author(s):  
Kristina Skender ◽  
Vivek Singh ◽  
Cecilia Stalsby-Lundborg ◽  
Megha Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Design Patterns ◽  
Central India ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Prescribing Patterns ◽  
Essential Medicines ◽  
World Health ◽  
Antibiotic Prescribing ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Defined Daily Doses

Background Frequent antibiotic prescribing in departments with high infection risk like orthopedics prominently contributes to the global increase of antibiotic resistance. However, few studies present antibiotic prescribing patterns and trends among orthopedic inpatients. Aim To compare and present the patterns and trends of antibiotic prescription over 10 years for orthopedic inpatients in a teaching (TH) and a non-teaching hospital (NTH) in Central India. Methods Data from orthopedic inpatients (TH-6446; NTH-4397) were collected using a prospective cross-sectional study design. Patterns were compared based on the indications and corresponding antibiotic treatments, mean Defined Daily Doses (DDD)/1000 patient-days, adherence to the National List of Essential Medicines India (NLEMI) and the World Health Organization Model List of Essential Medicines (WHOMLEM). Antibiotic prescriptions were analyzed separately for the operated and the non-operated inpatients. Linear regression was used to analyze the time trends of antibiotic prescribing; in total through DDD/1000 patient-days and by antibiotic groups. Results Third generation cephalosporins were the most prescribed antibiotic class (TH-39%; NTH-65%) and fractures were the most common indications (TH-48%; NTH-48%). Majority of the operated inpatients (TH-99%; NTH-97%) were prescribed pre-operative prophylactic antibiotics. The non-operated inpatients were also prescribed antibiotics (TH-40%; NTH-75%), although few of them had infectious diagnoses (TH-8%; NTH-14%). Adherence to the NLEMI was lower (TH-31%; NTH-34%) than adherence to the WHOMLEM (TH-65%; NTH-62%) in both hospitals. Mean DDD/1000 patient-days was 16 times higher in the TH (2658) compared to the NTH (162). Total antibiotic prescribing increased over 10 years (TH-β = 3.23; NTH-β = 1.02). Conclusion Substantial number of inpatients were prescribed antibiotics without clear infectious indications. Adherence to the NLEMI and the WHOMLEM was low in both hospitals. Antibiotic use increased in both hospitals over 10 years and was higher in the TH than in the NTH. The need for developing and implementing local antibiotic prescribing guidelines is emphasized.

scholarly journals Antibiotic Prescription Patterns for Acute Diarrhea in a Hospital in Shanghai in 2016: A Cross-sectional Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. S326-S326
Author(s):  
Yanhong Hu ◽  
Shanjuan Wang ◽  
Sunying Hua ◽  
Merlin Willcox ◽  
Michael Moore ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Diarrhea ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Final Analysis ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Negative Resistance ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Antibiotic Prescribing ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Oral Rehydration ◽  
Stewardship Program

Abstract Background Unnecessary antibiotic use increases the risk for antibiotic resistance. The rates of antibiotic use for upper respiratory infections are high in hospitals in China. Although most guidelines advise against the use of antibiotics for acute diarrhea, little is known about antibiotic use practices for acute diarrhea in China. Methods A retrospective prescription review from a Shanghai hospital outpatient electronic health records system was conducted from 1 January 2016 to 30 December 2016. Records were included for adult patients. The microbial resistance seasonal data in 2016 were extracted. Chi-squared and multivariable logistic regression and adjusted odd ratio (aOR) were used to assess the relationships between demographic characteristics and antibiotic prescribing. Results In total, there were 16,565 prescriptions, 16,060 prescriptions were included in the final analysis after excluding the follow up visits. There were 12,131 (76%) prescriptions with antibiotics prescribed. 5505 (45%) of the antibiotics prescribed were injectable. Of the antibiotics prescribed, levofloxacin was the most frequent (85%), followed by various cephalosporins (14%). Of the cephalosporin prescriptions, third-generation products were the most common (97%). Treatment with oral rehydration salts (ORS) was prescribed 34 (0.2%) times, probiotics were prescribed 3414 (21%) times and smectite was prescribed 2209 (14%) times. Multivariable regression analysis showed that those more likely to receive antibiotics were age 31–50 aOR 1.3 (1.1–1.4), P < 0.001, evaluated in the late evening (11pm to 7am) aOR 2.6 (2.2–2.9) P < 0.001, in the early evening (6pm-11pm) aOR 2.0 (1.8–2.2) P < 0.001, in the summer (June-August) aOR 1.7 (1.5–1.9) P < 0.001. At the same time, the Gram-positive and Gram-negative resistance rates to levofloxacin exceeded 40%, including 50% of E. coliisolates. Conclusion High rates of antibiotic use were observed for acute diarrhea in this hospital. Given the inappropriateness of antibiotics for acute diarrhea and the nonsensical high rates of of intravenous levofloxacin use and the concurrent high rates of the levofloxacin resistance, a more effective antibiotic stewardship program is needed to improve patient outcomes, reduce costs, reinforce policy and address the underlying causes of antibiotic abuse. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

scholarly journals Demographic characteristics associated with circadian rest-activity rhythm patterns: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jingen Li ◽  
Virend K. Somers ◽  
Francisco Lopez-Jimenez ◽  
Junrui Di ◽  
Naima Covassin
Keyword(s):  
Mortality Risk ◽  
Activity Rhythm ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Peak Activity ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Race Ethnicity ◽  
Racial Ethnic ◽  
Rest Activity

Abstract Background Rest-activity rhythm (RAR), a manifestation of circadian rhythms, has been associated with morbidity and mortality risk. However, RAR patterns in the general population and specifically the role of demographic characteristics in RAR pattern have not been comprehensively assessed. Therefore, we aimed to describe RAR patterns among non-institutionalized US adults and age, sex, and race/ethnicity variation using accelerometry data from a nationally representative population. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted using the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2014. Participants aged ≥20 years who were enrolled in the physical activity monitoring examination and had at least four 24-h periods of valid wrist accelerometer data were included in the present analysis. 24-h RAR metrics were generated using both extended cosinor model (amplitude, mesor, acrophase and pseudo-F statistic) and nonparametric methods (interdaily stability [IS] and intradaily variability [IV]). Multivariable linear regression was used to assess the association between RAR and age, sex, and race/ethnicity. Results Eight thousand two hundred participants (mean [SE] age, 49.1 [0.5] years) were included, of whom 52.2% were women and 67.3% Whites. Women had higher RAR amplitude and mesor, and also more robust (pseudo-F statistic), more stable (higher IS) and less fragmented (lower IV) RAR (all Ptrend < 0.001) than men. Compared with younger adults (20–39 years), older adults (≥ 60 years) exhibited reduced RAR amplitude and mesor, but more stable and less fragmented RAR, and also reached their peak activity earlier (advanced acrophase) (all Ptrend < 0.001). Relative to other racial/ethnic groups, Hispanics had the highest amplitude and mesor level, and most stable (highest IS) and least fragmented (lowest IV) RAR pattern (Ptrend < 0.001). Conversely, non-Hispanic blacks had the lowest peak activity level (lowest amplitude) and least stable (lowest IS) RAR pattern (all Ptrend < 0.001). Conclusions In the general adult population, RAR patterns vary significantly according to sex, age and race/ethnicity. These results may reflect demographic-dependent differences in intrinsic circadian rhythms and may have important implications for understanding racial, ethnic, sex and other disparities in morbidity and mortality risk.

Racially/ethnically stratified COVID-19 tweets associated with COVID-19 cases and deaths (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaohui Liu ◽  
Francisco Alejandro Montiel Ishino ◽  
Bandana Kar ◽  
Faustine Williams
Keyword(s):  
Ethnic Groups ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Surveillance Data ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Twitter Data ◽  
Race Ethnicity ◽  
Influenza Outbreaks ◽  
Racial Ethnic

BACKGROUND During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, social media traffic volume increased exponentially. Previously, Twitter was used as an informational surveillance tool to detect influenza outbreaks and proved to be an efficient and reliable tool. OBJECTIVE The objective of this paper is to spatially examine the association of COVID-19 tweet volume and COVID-19 cases and deaths, stratified by race/ethnicity, in the early onset of the pandemic. METHODS This cross-sectional study used geotagged COVID-19 tweets from within US posted in April 2020 from Twitter to examine the association of tweet volume, COVID-19 surveillance data (total cases and deaths in April), and population size. The studied time frame was limited to April 2020 because April was the earliest month when COVID-19 surveillance data on racial/ethnic groups was collected[1]. Racially/ethnically stratified tweets were extracted using racial/ethnic group-related keywords (Asian, Black, Latino, and White) from COVID-19 tweets. Racially/ethnically stratified tweets, COVID-19 cases and deaths were mapped to reveal their spatial distribution pattern. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression model was applied to each stratified dataset. RESULTS The racially/ethnically stratified tweet volume was associated with surveillance data. Specifically, the increase of one Asian tweet was correlated to 288 Asian cases (p<0.05) and 93.4 Asian deaths (p<0.05); the increase of one Black tweet was linked to 47.6 Black deaths (p<0.05); the increase of one Latino tweet was linked to 719 Latino deaths (p<0.05); and the increase of one White tweet was linked to 60.2 White deaths (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Using racially/ethnically stratified Twitter data as a surveillance indicator could inform epidemiologic trends to help estimate future surges of COVID-19 cases and potential future outbreaks among racial/ethnic groups. CLINICALTRIAL N/A

scholarly journals Racial and Ethnic Differences in COVID-19 Outcomes, Stressors, Fear, and Prevention Behaviors Among US Women: Web-Based Cross-sectional Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamila K Stockman ◽  
Brittany A Wood ◽  
Katherine M Anderson
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Ethnic Differences ◽  
The United States ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Racial And Ethnic Differences ◽  
Race Ethnicity ◽  
Racial Ethnic

BACKGROUND In the United States, racial and ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected by COVID-19, with persistent social and structural factors contributing to these disparities. At the intersection of race/ethnicity and gender, women of color may be disadvantaged in terms of COVID-19 outcomes due to their role as essential workers, their higher prevalence of pre-existing conditions, their increased stress and anxiety from the loss of wages and caregiving, and domestic violence. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to examine racial and ethnic differences in the prevalence of COVID-19 outcomes, stressors, fear, and prevention behaviors among adult women residing in the United States. METHODS Between May and June 2020, women were recruited into the Capturing Women’s Experiences in Outbreak and Pandemic Environments (COPE) Study, a web-based cross-sectional study, using advertisements on Facebook; 491 eligible women completed a self-administered internet-based cross-sectional survey. Descriptive statistics were used to examine racial and ethnic differences (White; Asian; Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander; Black; Hispanic, Latina, or Spanish Origin; American Indian or Alaskan Native; multiracial or some other race, ethnicity, or origin) on COVID-19 outcomes, stressors, fear, and prevention behaviors. RESULTS Among our sample of women, 16% (73/470) reported COVID-19 symptoms, 22% (18/82) were concerned about possible exposure from the people they knew who tested positive for COVID-19, and 51.4% (227/442) knew where to get tested; yet, only 5.8% (27/469) had been tested. Racial/ethnic differences were observed, with racial/ethnic minority women being less likely to know where to get tested. Significant differences in race/ethnicity were observed for select stressors (food insecurity, not enough money, homeschooling children, unable to have a doctor or telemedicine appointment) and prevention behaviors (handwashing with soap, self-isolation if sick, public glove use, not leaving home for any activities). Although no racial/ethnic differences emerged from the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, significant racial/ethnic differences were observed for some of the individual scale items (eg, being afraid of getting COVID-19, sleep loss, and heart racing due to worrying about COVID-19). CONCLUSIONS The low prevalence of COVID-19 testing and knowledge of where to get tested indicate a critical need to expand testing for women in the United States, particularly among racial/ethnic minority women. Although the overall prevalence of engagement in prevention behaviors was high, targeted education and promotion of prevention activities are warranted in communities of color, particularly with consideration for stressors and adverse mental health.

scholarly journals KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE ON ANTIBIOTIC USE AMONG PUBLIC IN RURAL AREA BATU PAHAT, JOHOR

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 220-228
Author(s):  
Chow CQ ◽  
Nor Liana CY
Keyword(s):  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Rural Area ◽  
Negative Attitude ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Rural Residents ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Antibiotic Overuse ◽  
Common Location ◽  
Knowledge And Attitude

Antibiotic resistance is a global threat to public health, leads to health and economic burden. Studies show that knowledge and attitude towards antibiotic use is poor, especially among rural residents. However, there is no study conducted on knowledge and attitude towards antibiotic use among the public in rural area Malaysia. The aim of this study is to assess knowledge and attitude on antibiotic use among public in rural area Batu Pahat, Johor. This was a cross-sectional study in which closed-ended questionnaires were distributed to 350 rural residents in Batu Pahat by convenience sampling method. The questionnaire was constructed into socio-demographic, antibiotic use and indication, knowledge and attitude towards antibiotic use. The most inappropriate knowledge responses were found for assumption about the effectiveness of antibiotics towards viral infection (69.1%), colds and coughs (57.7%). Only few were aware about the decrease in antibiotic effectiveness following antibiotic overuse (29.1%). Misuse antibiotics for cold (64.0%), expect antibiotics to be prescribed for common cold symptoms (52.6%) and discontinue antibiotics when start feeling better (63.4%) were the several highest inappropriate responses in attitude domain. Significant association was shown between both knowledge level and attitude level with age, gender, educational level, monthly income, occupation related to healthcare, family member’s occupation related to healthcare and most common location seek for healthcare. In conclusion, the rural residents demonstrated moderate knowledge (50%) but negative attitude (56.9%) towards antibiotic use. To cope with antibiotic resistance issue, proper planning on effective methods to promote appropriate use of antibiotics are necessary.

scholarly journals Proxy indicators to estimate appropriateness of antibiotic prescriptions by general practitioners: a proof-of-concept cross-sectional study based on reimbursement data, north-eastern France 2017

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (27) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathalie Thilly ◽  
Ouarda Pereira ◽  
Jeroen Schouten ◽  
Marlies EJL Hulscher ◽  
Céline Pulcini
Keyword(s):  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Case Mix ◽  
Antibiotic Prescribing ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
National Guidelines ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Proxy Indicators

Background In most countries, including France, data on clinical indications for outpatient antibiotic prescriptions are not available, making it impossible to assess appropriateness of antibiotic use at prescription level. Aim Our objectives were to: (i) propose proxy indicators (PIs) to estimate appropriateness of antibiotic use at general practitioner (GP) level based on routine reimbursement data; and (ii) assess PIs’ performance scores and their clinimetric properties using a large regional reimbursement database. Methods A recent systematic literature review on quality indicators was the starting point for defining a set of PIs, taking French national guidelines into account. We performed a cross-sectional study analysing National Health Insurance data (available at prescriber and patient levels) on antibiotics prescribed by GPs in 2017 for individuals living in north-eastern France. We measured performance scores of the PIs and their case-mix stability, and tested their measurability, applicability, and room for improvement (clinimetric properties). Results The 3,087 GPs included in this study prescribed a total of 2,077,249 antibiotic treatments. We defined 10 PIs with specific numerators, denominators and targets. Performance was low for almost all indicators ranging from 9% to 75%, with values < 30% for eight of 10 indicators. For all PIs, we found large variation between GPs and patient populations (case-mix stability). Regarding clinimetric properties, all PIs were measurable, applicable, and showed high improvement potential. Conclusions The set of 10 PIs showed satisfactory clinimetric properties and might be used to estimate appropriateness of antibiotic prescribing in primary care, in an automated way within antibiotic stewardship programmes.

scholarly journals Hospital Antibiotic Prescribing Pattern in General Surgery Specialty: Analysis Based on the WHO Access, Watch and Reserve (AWaRe) Classification

2021 ◽  
pp. 7-19
Author(s):  
Mounika Peddireddy ◽  
Juveriya Mahin ◽  
Amarnath Uppu ◽  
Satyanarayana S. V. Padi
Keyword(s):  
General Surgery ◽  
Surgical Site Infections ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Essential Medicines ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Antibiotic Prescribing ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Prescribing Pattern ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background: Surgical site infections are a prevalent cause of nosocomial infections that require antibiotic prophylaxis. Emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance is a major global public health issue that must be addressed. Eventually, antibiotic prescribing pattern should be examined in order to ensure that antibiotics are used appropriately and that their effectiveness is preserved. Objective: To evaluate hospital antibiotic prescribing pattern emphasizing on cephalosporins in general surgery specialty using the WHO Access, Watch, and Reserve (AWaRe) classification. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 658 hospitalized patients who received prophylactic antibiotics in general surgery specialty for six months. The data were analysed using the ‘WHO prescribing indicators’ and examined for the WHO ‘AWaRe’ categories. The acquired data was subjected to descriptive statistics. Results: Per encounter, the average number of drugs and antibiotics prescribed were 3.8 and 1.3, respectively. 83.4% encounters were with at least one antibiotic and 94.5% encounters had parenteral antibiotics. 31.3% and 77.8% antibiotics were prescribed by generic name and from the Essential Medicines List, respectively. The most frequently prescribed antibiotics were the third generation cephalosporins (36.8%) wherein ceftriaxone (22.0%) and cefoperazone (7.2%) were the two most commonly prescribed. A total of 14 specific antibiotics, ‘Access’ 5 and ‘Watch’ 9 were prescribed. Based on the WHO AWaRe classification, 42.3% ‘Access’ and 57.7% ‘Watch’ group antibiotics prescribed. All the prescribed cephalosporins (100%) were from the ‘Watch’ category. Amikacin (13.5%) and ceftriaxone (22.0%) were the most commonly prescribed ‘Access’ and ‘Watch’ group antibiotics, respectively. Amoxicillin index was 7.5 and ‘Access-to-Watch’ index was 0.7, which were much below the priority values. Conclusion: The antibiotic prescription pattern seen in this study did not entirely meet the WHO recommendations. Antibiotics from the ‘Watch’ category, notably cephalosporins, were commonly prescribed. To retain antibiotic effectiveness and encourage rational antibiotic use, as well as to overcome antibiotic resistance, changes and surveillance antibiotics prescribing are required.

scholarly journals Exploring Information Available to and Used by Physicians on Antibiotic Use and Antibiotic Resistance in Jordan

Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 963
Author(s):  
Reema A. Karasneh ◽  
Sayer I. Al-Azzam ◽  
Mera A. Ababneh ◽  
Iman A. Basheti ◽  
Ola Al-Azzeh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Medical Professional ◽  
Antibiotic Prescribing ◽  
Action Plans ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Prescribing Practices ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Professional Body

Evidence based information sources for physicians are needed for informed antibiotic prescribing practices. The aim of this study was to explore physicians’ preferred sources of information and evaluate physicians’ awareness of available information and initiatives on prudent antibiotic prescribing in Jordan. A cross-sectional study was conducted utilizing an online questionnaire and included physicians (n = 409) from all sectors and specialties in Jordan. Published guidelines (31.8%), the workplace (25.7%), colleagues or peers (20.0%), group or conference training (18.3%), and the medical professional body (18.1%) were the main sources of information about avoiding unnecessary antibiotic prescribing, with the influence of these sources on changing prescribers’ views being 34.7%, 17.1%, 11%, 13.4%, and 7.6%, respectively. One-third of physicians (33.7%) reported no knowledge of any initiatives on antibiotic awareness and resistance. Regarding awareness of national action plans on antimicrobial resistance, 10.5%, 34%, and 55.5% of physicians were aware, unaware, and unsure of the presence of any national action plans, respectively. Physicians showed interest in receiving more information on resistance to antibiotics (58.9%), how to use antibiotics (42.2%), medical conditions for which antibiotics are used (41.3%), prescribing of antibiotics (35.2%), and links between the health of humans, animals, and the environment (19.8%). The findings can inform interventions needed to design effective antimicrobial stewardship, enabling physicians to prescribe antibiotics appropriately.

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