scholarly journals Impact of media: self-medication and the rising problem of antimicrobial resistance

2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (5) ◽  
pp. 922
Author(s):  
Manali Mahajan ◽  
Sujata Dudhgaonkar
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Self Medication

scholarly journals The Socio-cultural Dynamics of Antibiotic Misuse in Hyderabad City, India: a Qualitative Study of Dentist and Pharmacist

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 197-202
Author(s):  
Shoeb Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Pharmacy Practice ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Cultural Dynamics ◽  
Dental Infection ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Self Medication

 Background: Antibiotic resistance and antibiotic-associated adverse events are rapidly escalating and considered as a global health threat and public health problem. There is poor evidence base on the contextual specificities and everyday use of antibiotic in public health dentistry and pharmacy dispensing practices. The study explores the socio-cultural dynamics emergent around antimicrobials in the Indian Public dentistry and pharmacy practice in India. Methods: Using purposive sampling, dentists and pharmacists were recruited for the study in Hyderabad City, Telangana State, India. Using semi-structured interviews, dentists and pharmacists were asked about how antibiotics were prescribed and dispensed, perceptions of antibiotic use in community and socio-cultural norms prevailing in the use of the antimicrobial practice. Results: The dominant themes, emerged by both dentists and pharmacists, was the avoidance of dentist visit on encountering dental infection, reliance on self-medication, use of over-the-counter antibiotics and easy accessibility of antibiotics without prescription as a primary driver of antibiotic misuse and development of antimicrobial resistance, which is associated with socio-cultural practices and economic problems.  Conclusions: The speculations of qualitative responses to antimicrobial resistance are profoundly entangled in the specificities of dental infection management across cultures and locales in daily life. This study emphasizes the need for enforcement of regulatory mechanism on antibiotic dispensing over the counters, educating dental patients in avoiding self medications, educational and training initiatives are necessary to sensitize and rationalize dentist and pharmacist in the use of antibiotics. 

scholarly journals Self-Medication with Antibiotics for Protection against COVID-19: The Role of Psychological Distress, Knowledge of, and Experiences with Antibiotics

Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 232
Author(s):  
Airong Zhang ◽  
Elizabeth V. Hobman ◽  
Paul De De Barro ◽  
Asaesja Young ◽  
David J. Carter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Perceived Health ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Integrative Framework ◽  
Logistic Analysis

: Self-medication with antibiotics is a major contributing factor to antimicrobial resistance. Prior research examining factors associated with antibiotic self-medication has focused on an individual’s knowledge about antibiotics, antibiotic usage practices, accessibility to antibiotic medication, and demographic characteristics. The role of psychological distress associated with perceived health risks in explaining antibiotic self-medication is less understood. This study was designed to address this knowledge gap in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. An online survey of 2217 participants was conducted at the height of the initial outbreak and revealed that 19.5% of participants took antibiotics to protect themselves from COVID-19. Multivariate logistic analysis examined the predictors of taking antibiotics for protection against COVID-19. An integrative framework developed from the results illustrates potential pathways and facilitating factors that may contribute to prophylactic self-medication with antibiotics. Specifically, COVID-19 pandemic-induced psychological distress was significantly positively related to self-medication. Preventive use of antibiotics was also facilitated by a lack of understanding about antibiotics, inappropriate antibiotics usage practices, the nature of the patient-doctor relationship, and demographic characteristics. The findings highlight that to combat antimicrobial resistance due to self-medication, interventions need to focus on interrupting entrenched behavioural responses and addressing emotional responses to perceived health risks.

scholarly journals Rational use of antibiotics during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 399-408
Author(s):  
Jovica Milovanović ◽  
Ana Jotić ◽  
Zorana Radin ◽  
Ivana Ćirković
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Bacterial Infections ◽  
Reliable Data ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Antibiotics Use ◽  
Rational Use Of Antibiotics ◽  
The Impact

Introduction/Aim: The global COVID-19 pandemic has long been considered an emergency, with the number of cases growing exponentially, despite constant efforts to control the infection. Although the disease is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, most patients are treated with antibiotic therapy. The long-term effects of such broad antibiotics use on antimicrobial resistance are still unknown and are a matter for concern. The aim of this paper is: to determine, based on the available literature, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the use of antibiotics; to determine the global situation regarding antimicrobial resistance; to identify key areas where urgent changes are needed. Methods: A systematic review of the current literature on the use of antibiotics in COVID-19 treatment was conducted. The PubMed and MEDLINE databases were searched for papers published between March 2020 and September 2021. Results: Between 76.8% and 87.8% of patients with COVID-19 were treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics were less frequently prescribed to children, as compared to adults (38.5%, compared to 83.4%). The most commonly administered antibiotics were fluoroquinolones (20.0%), macrolides (18.9%), b-lactam antibiotics (15.0%), and cephalosporins (15.0%). Self-medication with antibiotics to prevent and treat COVID-19 has been identified as one of the important factors contributing to antimicrobial resistance. Conclusion: The impact of COVID-19 on global antimicrobial resistance is still unknown and is likely to be unevenly distributed in the general population. Although various antibiotics have been used to treat patients with COVID-19, their role and the need for their application in the treatment of this infection remains to be determined. For now, there are no reliable data as to whether the use of antibiotics in COVID-19 cases without associated bacterial infections has any effect on the course of the disease and mortality.

scholarly journals Knowledge and behavior of consumers towards the non-prescription purchase of antibiotics: An insight from a qualitative study from New Delhi, India

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 2206
Author(s):  
Anita Kotwani ◽  
Jyoti Joshi ◽  
Anjana S. Lamkang ◽  
Ayushi Sharma ◽  
Deeksha Kaloni
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Public Healthcare ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
The Government ◽  
And Behavior

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.

scholarly journals Easy Access to Antibiotics; Spread of Antimicrobial Resistance and Implementation of One Health Approach in India

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 444-452
Author(s):  
Kunal Jani ◽  
Vibhaw Srivastava ◽  
Preeti Sharma ◽  
Aruna Vir ◽  
Avinash Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
One Health ◽  
Growth Promotion ◽  
Local Population ◽  
Antibiotic Resistance Genes ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Containment Policy

AbstractAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health concern because of its fast spread. India, one of the world’s top consumer of antibiotics and second most populated country has its unique constraints of social, cultural and economic strata. The continual self-medication, use of antibiotics for the growth promotion in animals, and accumulation of residual antibiotics in the environment challenge the implementation of AMR containment policy. Hence, the present review attempts to delineate the influence of antibiotics abuse on the human, animal and environmental health under the realm of one health. It was based on the literature search using public databases to highlight the rapid surge in the burden of AMR in India affecting various sectors and/or ecosystems in India. It was found that the irrational and overuse of antibiotics in different sectors have led to the emergence of extended antimicrobial resistance wherein the environment acts as a reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs); completing the cycle of contamination and recontamination. There are efforts by government policy makers to reduce the burden of AMR in the country to reduce the health risks, through the One Health approach. Parallel efforts in educating healthcare professionals, strict legislation for pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies should be prioritize. At the same time surveillance of newly emerged AMR pathogens, prioritising research focusing on AMR, and awareness camps or programs among the local population is critical while addressing the consequences of spared of AMR in India.

scholarly journals Global research publications on irrational use of antimicrobials: call for more research to contain antimicrobial resistance

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Waleed M. Sweileh
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
The United States ◽  
African Region ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Research Publications ◽  
Research Themes ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Author Keywords ◽  
Number Of Publications

Abstract Background Irrational use of antimicrobials is highly prevalent. It is a major driving factor for antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Research on irrational antimicrobial use is important for developing policies and regulations to combat and contain AMR. The present study aims to provide an overview of research publications on the irrational use of antimicrobials at the national and global levels. Methods Publications on irrational use of antimicrobials were extracted from Scopus using a wide range of relevant keywords for the study period from 1980 to 2020. Results In total, 656 publications on irrational use of antimicrobials were found. The bulk of publications in this field were about irrational use in humans. A limited number of publications were found on the irrational use of antimicrobials in the context of veterinary and environment. The number of publications, contributing countries, and the mean number of authors per article increased with time, most notably in the last decade. Authors from 105 different countries participated in publishing the retrieved articles with 22 (21.0%) participated in 10 or more publications. The United States led with 140 (21.6%) articles followed distantly by China (n = 49, 7.5%), India (n = 45, 6.9%), and the United Kingdom (n = 45, 6.9%). Countries in the South-East Asian region (n = 69, 10.5%) and the African region (n = 42, 6.4%) made the least contribution. The list of most frequent author keywords included “antimicrobial stewardship” and “community pharmacies”. The research themes focused on the hospital-based rational use of antimicrobials and the self-medication practices with antimicrobials in the community. In total, 420 different journals participated in publishing the retrieved documents. The Plos One journal (17, 2.6%) ranked first. The retrieved articles received an average of 15.6 citations per article and an h-index of 52. The most frequent antimicrobials encountered in the retrieved literature were penicillin, cephalosporin, and fluoroquinolones while the most frequently encountered pathogens were S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. Conclusion Research on the irrational use of antimicrobials is needed from all countries and regions to implement appropriate policies to contain the AMR. Research on irrational use of antimicrobials in the context of veterinary is needed.

scholarly journals Knowledge, Attitude and Practices on Antimicrobial Resistance and Usage Among Medical Students in A Malaysian Medical University

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (01) ◽  
pp. 115
Author(s):  
Heethal Jaiprakash ◽  
Ameeta Patil ◽  
Sunil Kale ◽  
Pallavi R Shidhaye
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Expiry Date ◽  
Antimicrobial Usage ◽  
Attitude And Practice ◽  
Validated Questionnaire

<strong>Abstract—</strong>Drug resistance is a fast mounting crisis. Many factors, like the inappropriate use of antimicrobials by prescribing physician, unregulated sale of drugs and self-medication, have been attributed to the increase in the incidence of antimicrobial resistance. Health care professionals are a significant determinant in this regard their in-depth knowledge is essential for rationale antimicrobial usage. The objective of this study is to analyze the knowledge, attitude, and practice of antimicrobial usage and resistance among different years of medical students. This is a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study that was conducted among yr. 1 to yr.5 students. A validated Questionnaire was obtained. The questionnaire assesses the students on their attitude, practice, and knowledge of antimicrobial resistance and usage. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. A total of 543 students participated in the study. Antimicrobial resistance was recognized as an essential and serious public health issue in today’s era by 92.16% Year 5 respondents, which was highest among all the years (Year 1-5).  The awareness regarding the etiology of cold and flu was observed to be the highest among Year 4 respondents (65.74%).  Only 2.8% of the total respondents strongly agreed that skipping one or two doses of antimicrobials does not lead to the development of resistance. 49.02% of the year five respondents always consulted a physician before starting an antimicrobial, indicating a good practice. However, when it came to checking the expiry date of antimicrobials before taking it, the Year 1 respondents (53.95%) were more particular. The study revealed that some aspects of knowledge regarding antimicrobial resistance and usage were found to be significantly higher among the respondents in the clinical years. The said knowledge was well-reflected in some, but not all of the facets of the respondent’s attitude and practice.

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