Antimicrobial use at the end of life: a scoping review

2020 ◽  
pp. bmjspcare-2020-002558
Author(s):  
Jack Fairweather ◽  
Lesley Cooper ◽  
Jacqueline Sneddon ◽  
R Andrew Seaton
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Prescribing Patterns ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Antibiotic Prescribing ◽  
Ovid Medline ◽  
Tract Infections

ObjectiveTo examine antibiotic use in patients approaching end of life, in terms of frequency of prescription, aim of treatment, beneficial and adverse effects and contribution to the development of antimicrobial resistance.DesignScoping reviewData sourcesAn information scientist searched Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, The Cochrane library, PubMed Clinical Queries, NHS Evidence, Epistemonikos, SIGN, NICE, Google Scholar from inception to February 2019 for any study design including, but not limited to, randomised clinical trials, prospective interventional or observational studies, retrospective studies and qualitative studies. The search of Ovid MEDLINE was updated on the 10 June 2020.Study selectionStudies reporting antibiotic use in patients approaching end of life in any setting and clinicians’ attitudes and behaviour in relation to antibiotic prescribing in this populationData extractionTwo reviewers screened studies for eligibility; two reviewers extracted data from included studies. Data were analysed to describe antibiotic prescribing patterns across different patient populations, the benefits and adverse effects (for individual patients and wider society), the rationale for decision making and clinicians behaviours and attitudes to treatment with antibiotics in this patient group.ResultsEighty-eight studies were included. Definition of the end of life is highly variable as is use of antibiotics in patients approaching end of life. Prescribing decisions are influenced by patient age, primary diagnosis, care setting and therapy goals, although patients’ preferences are not always documented or adhered to. Urinary and lower respiratory tract infections are the most commonly reported indications with outcomes in terms of symptom control and survival variably reported. Small numbers of studies reported on adverse events and antimicrobial resistance. Clinicians sometimes feel uncomfortable discussing antibiotic treatment at end of life and would benefit from guidelines to direct care.ConclusionsUse of antibiotics in patients approaching the end of life is common although there is significant variation in practice. There are a myriad of intertwined biological, ethical, social, medicolegal and clinical issues associated with the topic.

scholarly journals Antibiotic Use Among Hospitalized Children and Neonates in China: Results From Quarterly Point Prevalence Surveys in 2019

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chu-ning Wang ◽  
Jianning Tong ◽  
Bin Yi ◽  
Benedikt D. Huttner ◽  
Yibing Cheng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Point Prevalence ◽  
Prescribing Patterns ◽  
Antibiotic Prescribing ◽  
Hospitalized Children ◽  
Prevalence Survey ◽  
Common Diagnosis ◽  
Tract Infections ◽  
The Impact

Background: Antimicrobial resistance is a significant clinical problem in pediatric practice in China. Surveillance of antibiotic use is one of the cornerstones to assess the quality of antibiotic use and plan and assess the impact of antibiotic stewardship interventions.Methods: We carried out quarterly point prevalence surveys referring to WHO Methodology of Point Prevalence Survey in 16 Chinese general and children’s hospitals in 2019 to assess antibiotic use in pediatric inpatients based on the WHO AWaRe metrics and to detect potential problem areas. Data were retrieved via the hospital information systems on the second Monday of March, June, September and December. Antibiotic prescribing patterns were analyzed across and within diagnostic conditions and ward types according to WHO AWaRe metrics and Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) Classification.Results: A total of 22,327 hospitalized children were sampled, of which 14,757 (66.1%) were prescribed ≥1 antibiotic. Among the 3,936 sampled neonates (≤1 month), 59.2% (n = 2,331) were prescribed ≥1 antibiotic. A high percentage of combination antibiotic therapy was observed in PICUs (78.5%), pediatric medical wards (68.1%) and surgical wards (65.2%). For hospitalized children prescribed ≥1 antibiotic, the most common diagnosis on admission were lower respiratory tract infections (43.2%, n = 6,379). WHO Watch group antibiotics accounted for 70.4% of prescriptions (n = 12,915). The most prescribed antibiotic ATC classes were third-generation cephalosporins (41.9%, n = 7,679), followed by penicillins/β-lactamase inhibitors (16.1%, n = 2,962), macrolides (12.1%, n = 2,214) and carbapenems (7.7%, n = 1,331).Conclusion: Based on these data, overuse of broad-spectrum Watch group antibiotics is common in Chinese pediatric inpatients. Specific interventions in the context of the national antimicrobial stewardship framework should aim to reduce the use of Watch antibiotics and routine surveillance of antibiotic use using WHO AWaRe metrics should be implemented.

scholarly journals Delayed prescribing of antibiotics for acute respiratory infections by GP registrars: a qualitative study

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 406-411 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthea Dallas ◽  
Andrew Davey ◽  
Katie Mulquiney ◽  
Joshua Davis ◽  
Paul Glasziou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Safety Net ◽  
Prescribing Patterns ◽  
Antibiotic Prescribing ◽  
Career Stage ◽  
Diagnostic Uncertainty ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
Tract Infections

Abstract Background Antibiotic prescribing for acute self-limiting respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) in Australia is higher than international benchmarks. Antibiotics have little or no efficacy in these conditions, and unnecessary use contributes to antibiotic resistance. Delayed prescribing has been shown to reduce antibiotic use. GP registrars are at a career-stage when long-term prescribing patterns are being established. Aim To explore experiences, perceptions and attitudes of GP registrars and supervisors to delayed antibiotic prescribing for ARTIs. Design and setting A qualitative study of Australian GP registrars and supervisors using a thematic analysis approach. Method GP registrars and supervisors were recruited across three Australian states/territories, using maximum variation sampling. Telephone interviews explored participants’ experience and perceptions of delayed prescribing of antibiotics in ARTIs. Data collection and analysis were concurrent and iterative. Results A total of 12 registrars and 10 supervisors were interviewed. Key themes included the use of delayed prescribing as a safety-net in cases of diagnostic uncertainty or when clinical review was logistically difficult. Delayed prescribing was viewed as a method of educating and empowering patients, and building trust and the doctor–patient relationship. Conversely, it was also seen as a loss of control over management decisions. Supervisors, more so than registrars, appreciated the psychosocial complexity of ARTI consultations and the importance of delayed antibiotic prescribing in this context. Conclusion Better awareness and understanding by GP registrars of the evidence for delayed antibiotic prescription may be a means of reducing antibiotic prescribing. Understanding both registrar and supervisor usage, uncertainties and attitudes should inform educational approaches on this topic.

scholarly journals Antibiotic Prescribing Patterns for Childhood infections in Ambulatory Settings

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samah Al-Shatnawi ◽  
Sanabel Alhusban ◽  
Shoroq Altawalbeh ◽  
Rawand Khasawneh
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Prescribing Patterns ◽  
World Health ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Antibiotic Prescribing ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Tract Infections ◽  
The Impact

Background: Antibiotics’ rational prescribing is a major goal of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global action-plan to tackle antimicrobial resistance. Evaluation of antibiotic prescribing patterns is necessary to guide simple, globally applicable stewardship interventions. The impact of antimicrobial resistance is devastating, especially in low-income countries. We aimed to introduce ambulatory data on patterns of pediatric antibiotic prescribing in Jordan, which could be used to guide local stewardship interventions. Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted by selecting a random sample of pediatric patients, who attended ambulatory settings in 2018. Records of outpatients (age 18 years) receiving at least one antibiotic were included. The WHO’s model of drug utilization was applied, and all prescribing indicators were included. Multiple linear regression was performed to examine factors influencing the ratio of prescribed antibiotics to overall medications per encounter. Results: A total of 20,494 prescriptions, containing 45,241 prescribed drugs, were obtained. Average number of prescribed drugs per prescription was (2.21  0.98). 77.5% of overall ambulatory prescriptions accounted for antimicrobials. Only 0.6% of total prescriptions were for injectables. All antimicrobials (100%) were prescribed by generic-names and from essential drug list. Antibiotics were most commonly prescribed for respiratory tract infections. Age, gender, season, and facility type were significant predictors of prescribed antibiotics to overall medications ratio. Conclusions: This is the first study of antibiotic prescribing patterns among outpatient pediatrics that covers wide regions in Jordan. Results indicate high rates of antibiotics use among outpatient pediatrics. Such findings necessitate more focused efforts and regulations that support rational utilization of drugs.

scholarly journals Systematic review of public-targeted communication interventions to improve antibiotic use

2016 ◽  
Vol 72 (4) ◽  
pp. 975-987 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Louise Anne Cross ◽  
Robert Tolfree ◽  
Ruth Kipping
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
General Public ◽  
Community Intervention ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
The United States ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Antibiotic Prescribing ◽  
Communication Interventions

Background: Excessive use of antibiotics accelerates the acquisition/spread of antimicrobial resistance. A systematic review was conducted to identify the components of successful communication interventions targeted at the general public to improve antibiotic use. Methods: The databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science and Cochrane Library were searched. Search terms were related to the population (public, community), intervention (campaign, mass media) and outcomes (antibiotic, antimicrobial resistance). References were screened for inclusion by one author with a random subset of 10% screened by a second author. No date restrictions were applied and only articles in the English language were considered. Studies had to have a control group or be an interrupted time-series. Outcomes had to measure change in antibiotic-related prescribing/consumption and/or the public’s knowledge, attitudes or behaviour. Two reviewers assessed the quality of studies. Narrative synthesis was performed. Results: Fourteen studies were included with an estimated 74–75 million participants. Most studies were conducted in the United States or Europe and targeted both the general public and clinicians. Twelve of the studies measured changes in antibiotic prescribing. There was quite strong (P < 0·05 to ≥ 0·01) to very strong (P < 0·001) evidence that interventions that targeted prescribing for RTIs were associated with decreases in antibiotic prescribing; the majority of these studies reported reductions of greater than −14% with the largest effect size reaching −30%. Conclusion: Multi-faceted communication interventions that target both the general public and clinicians can reduce antibiotic prescribing in high-income countries but the sustainability of reductions in antibiotic prescribing is unclear.

scholarly journals Development of an Electronic Algorithm to Identify Inappropriate Antibiotic Prescribing for Pediatric Pharyngitis

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s188-s189
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Gerber ◽  
Robert Grundmeier ◽  
Keith Hamilton ◽  
Lauri Hicks ◽  
Melinda Neuhauser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Predictive Value ◽  
Gold Standard ◽  
Antibiotic Stewardship ◽  
Chart Review ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Audit And Feedback ◽  
Urgent Care ◽  
Antibiotic Prescribing ◽  
Tract Infections ◽  
The Impact

Background: Antibiotic overuse contributes to antibiotic resistance and unnecessary adverse drug effects. Antibiotic stewardship interventions have primarily focused on acute-care settings. Most antibiotic use, however, occurs in outpatients with acute respiratory tract infections such as pharyngitis. The electronic health record (EHR) might provide an effective and efficient tool for outpatient antibiotic stewardship. We aimed to develop and validate an electronic algorithm to identify inappropriate antibiotic use for pediatric outpatients with pharyngitis. Methods: This study was conducted within the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Care Network, including 31 pediatric primary care practices and 3 urgent care centers with a shared EHR serving >250,000 children. We used International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes to identify encounters for pharyngitis at any CHOP practice from March 15, 2017, to March 14, 2018, excluding those with concurrent infections (eg, otitis media, sinusitis), immunocompromising conditions, or other comorbidities that might influence the need for antibiotics. We randomly selected 450 features for detailed chart abstraction assessing patient demographics as well as practice and prescriber characteristics. Appropriateness of antibiotic use based on chart review served as the gold standard for evaluating the electronic algorithm. Criteria for appropriate use included streptococcal testing, use of penicillin or amoxicillin (absent β-lactam allergy), and a 10-day duration of therapy. Results: In 450 patients, the median age was 8.4 years (IQR, 5.5–9.0) and 54% were women. On chart review, 149 patients (33%) received an antibiotic, of whom 126 had a positive rapid strep result. Thus, based on chart review, 23 subjects (5%) diagnosed with pharyngitis received antibiotics inappropriately. Amoxicillin or penicillin was prescribed for 100 of the 126 children (79%) with a positive rapid strep test. Of the 126 children with a positive test, 114 (90%) received the correct antibiotic: amoxicillin, penicillin, or an appropriate alternative antibiotic due to b-lactam allergy. Duration of treatment was correct for all 126 children. Using the electronic algorithm, the proportion of inappropriate prescribing was 28 of 450 (6%). The test characteristics of the electronic algorithm (compared to gold standard chart review) for identification of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing were sensitivity (99%, 422 of 427); specificity (100%, 23 of 23); positive predictive value (82%, 23 of 28); and negative predictive value (100%, 422 of 422). Conclusions: For children with pharyngitis, an electronic algorithm for identification of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing is highly accurate. Future work should validate this approach in other settings and develop and evaluate the impact of an audit and feedback intervention based on this tool.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

Antibiotic use towards the end of life: development of good practice recommendations

2021 ◽  
pp. bmjspcare-2020-002732
Author(s):  
R Andrew Seaton ◽  
Lesley Cooper ◽  
Jack Fairweather ◽  
Stephen Fenning ◽  
Libby Ferguson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
End Of Life ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Symptom Burden ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Antibiotic Prescribing ◽  
Optimal Care ◽  
Time To Death ◽  
Practice Recommendations ◽  
Published Evidence ◽  
Future Care

ObjectivesDevelopment of evidence-based good practice recommendations for clinicians considering the use of antibiotics in patients towards the end of life.DesignA multiprofessional group of experts in end-of-life care and antimicrobial stewardship was convened. Findings from a scoping review of the literature and a consultation of clinicians were triangulated. Expert discussion was used to generate consensus on how to approach decision-making.SettingRepresentatives from hospital and a range of community health and care settings.ParticipantsMedical, pharmacy and nursing professionals.Main outcome measuresGood practice recommendations based on published evidence and the experience of prescribers in Scotland.ResultsThe findings of 88 uncontrolled, observational studies of variable quality were considered alongside a survey of over 200 prescribers. No national or international guidelines were identified. Antibiotic use towards the end of life was common but practice was highly variable. The potential harms associated with giving antibiotics tended to be less well considered than the potential benefits. Antibiotics often extended the length of time to death but this was sometimes at the cost of higher symptom burden. There was strong consensus around the importance of effective communication with patients and their families and making treatment decisions aligned to a patient’s goals and priorities.ConclusionsGood practice recommendations were agreed with focus on three areas: making shared decisions about future care; agreeing clear goals and limits of therapy; reviewing all antibiotic prescribing decisions regularly. These will be disseminated widely to support optimal care for patients towards the end of life. A patient version of the recommendations has also been produced to support implementation.

scholarly journals Research on simulation in radiography education: a scoping review protocol

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mona Vestbøstad ◽  
Klas Karlgren ◽  
Nina Rydland Olsen
Keyword(s):  
Scoping Review ◽  
Search Strategy ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
World Health ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Design Elements ◽  
Ovid Medline ◽  
Scoping Reviews ◽  
Radiography Education

Abstract Background Today, there are fewer opportunities for health care students and staff for skills training through direct patient contact. The World Health Organization therefore recommends learning about patient safety through hands-on experience and simulation. Simulation has the potential to improve skills through training in a controlled environment, and simulation has a positive effect on knowledge and skills, and even patient-related outcomes. Reviews addressing the use of simulation across the different radiography specialties are lacking. Further knowledge on simulation in radiography education is needed to inform curriculum design and future research. The purpose of this scoping review is to explore, map, and summarize the extent, range, and nature of published research on simulation in radiography education. Methods We will follow the methodological framework for scoping reviews originally described by Arksey and O’Malley. We will search the MEDLINE, Embase, Epistemonikos, The Cochrane Library, ERIC, Scopus, and sources of grey literature. A comprehensive search strategy for Ovid MEDLINE was developed in collaboration with a research librarian. An example of a full electronic search from the Ovid MEDLINE (1641 articles records, January 9, 2020) is provided and will be used to adapt the search strategy to each database. Two independent review authors will screen all abstracts and titles, and full-text publications during a second stage. Next, they will extract data from each included study using a data extraction form informed by the aim of the study. A narrative account of all studies included will be presented. We will present a simple numerical analysis related to the extent, nature, and distribution of studies, and we will use content analysis to map the different simulation interventions and learning design elements reported. Any type of simulation intervention within all types of radiography specializations will be included. Our search strategy is not limited by language or date of publication. Discussion An overview of publications on simulation in radiography education across all radiography specialties will help to inform future research and will be useful for stakeholders within radiography education using simulation, both in the academic and clinical settings. Systematic review registration Open Science Framework (OSF). Submitted on October 18, 2020

scholarly journals Informing the development of a standardised approach to measure antibiotic use in secondary care: a systematic review protocol

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. e026792
Author(s):  
Selina Patel ◽  
Arnoupe Jhass ◽  
Susan Hopkins ◽  
Laura Shallcross
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Care ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Antibiotic Consumption ◽  
Antibiotic Usage ◽  
Prescribing Patterns ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Antibiotic Prescribing ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Antibiotic Consumption Surveillance

IntroductionEcological and individual-level evidence indicates that there is an association between level of antibiotic exposure and the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance. The Global Point Prevalence Survey in 2015 estimated that 34.4% of hospital inpatients globally received at least one antimicrobial. Antimicrobial stewardship to optimise antibiotic use in secondary care can reduce the high risk of patients acquiring and transmitting drug-resistant infections in this setting. However, differences in the availability of data on antibiotic use in this context make it difficult to develop a consensus of how to comparably monitor antibiotic prescribing patterns across secondary care. This review will aim to document and critically evaluate methods and measures to monitor antibiotic use in secondary care.Methods and analysisWe will search Medline (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and websites of key organisations for published reports where an attempt to measure antibiotic usage among adult inpatients in high-income hospital settings has been made. Two independent reviewers will screen the studies for eligibility, extract data and assess the study quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. A description of the methods and measures used in antibiotic consumption surveillance will be presented. An adaptation of the Affordability, Practicability, Effectiveness, Acceptability, Side-effects Equity framework will be used to consider the practicality of implementing different approaches to measuring antibiotic usage in secondary care settings. A descriptive comparison of definitions and estimates of (in)appropriate antibiotic usage will also be carried out.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required for this study as no primary data will be collected. The results will be published in relevant peer-reviewed journals and presented at relevant conferences or meetings where possible. This review will inform future approaches to scale up antibiotic consumption surveillance strategies to attempt to maximise impact through standardisation.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42018103375

scholarly journals Diagnostic Stewardship in Lower Respiratory Tract Infections Using Procalcitonin

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (S1) ◽  
pp. s31-s32
Author(s):  
Amanda Gusovsky ◽  
David Burgess ◽  
Donna Burgess ◽  
Emily Slade ◽  
Chris Delcher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Lower Respiratory Tract ◽  
Respiratory Tract Infections ◽  
Length Of Hospital Stay ◽  
Prescribing Patterns ◽  
Antibiotic Prescribing ◽  
Lower Respiratory Tract Infections ◽  
Tract Infections

Background: A team of infectious diseases physicians, infectious diseases pharmacists, clinical laboratorians, and researchers collaborated to assess the management of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs). In 1 sample from our institution, 96.1% of pneumonia cases were prescribed antibiotics, compared to 85.0% in a comparison group. A collaborative effort led to the development of a protocol for procalcitonin (PCT)-guided antibiotic prescribing that was approved by several hospital committees, including the Antimicrobial Stewardship Committee and the Healthcare Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committee in December 2020. The aim of this analysis was to develop baseline information on PCT ordering and antibiotic prescribing patterns in LRTIs. Methods: We evaluated all adult inpatients (March–September 2019 and 2020) with a primary diagnosis of LRTI who received at least 1 antibiotic. Two cohorts were established to observe any potential differences in the 2 most recent years prior to adoption of the PCT protocol. Data (eg, demographics, specific diagnosis, length of stay, antimicrobial therapy and duration, PCT labs, etc) were obtained from the UK Center for Clinical and Translational Science, and the study was approved by the local IRB. The primary outcome of interest was antibiotic duration; secondary outcomes of interest were PCT orders, discharge antibiotic prescription, and inpatient length of stay. Results: In total, 432 patients (277 in 2019 and 155 in 2020) were included in this analysis. The average patient age was 61.2 years (SD, ±13.7); 47.7% were female; and 86.1% were white. Most patients were primarily diagnosed with pneumonia (58.8%), followed by COPD with complication (40.5%). In-hospital mortality was 3.5%. The minority of patients had any orders for PCT (29.2%); among them, most had only 1 PCT level measured (84.1%). The median length of hospital stay was 4 days (IQR, 2–6), and the median duration of antibiotic therapy was 4 days (IQR, 3–6). Conclusions: The utilization of PCT in LRTIs occurs in the minority of patient cases at our institution and mostly as a single measurement. The development and implementation of a PCT-guided therapy could help optimize antibiotic usage in patients with LRTIs.Funding: NoDisclosures: None

scholarly journals Exploring gender differences in knowledge and practices related to antibiotic use in Southeast Asia: A scoping review

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. e0259069
Author(s):  
Phuc Pham-Duc ◽  
Kavitha Sriparamananthan
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Southeast Asia ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
Inappropriate Use ◽  
Males And Females

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.

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