ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICE OF COMMUNITY PHARMACISTS TOWARDS ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE AT YEKA SUB CITY, ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA, 2023.

Abstract

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health concern that poses significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide. Community pharmacists play a crucial role in the appropriate use of antibiotics and the prevention of AMR. However, there is limited research focusing on the specific knowledge, attitudes, and practices of community pharmacists towards AMR in Yeka Subcity, Ethiopia. Understanding their current understanding and practices can provide valuable insights for targeted interventions. Objective: The main objective of this research is to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of community pharmacists towards antimicrobial resistance in Yeka Subcity. The study aims to evaluate their understanding of AMR, their attitudes towards responsible antibiotic use, and their current practices in dispensing and counseling on antibiotics. Methods: The study will employ a cross-sectional design, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. A structured questionnaire will be developed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of community pharmacists towards AMR. The questionnaire will be administered to a sample of community pharmacists practicing in Yeka Subcity. In-depth interviews will also be conducted with a subset of participants to gain a deeper understanding of their perspectives. The data will be analyzed using appropriate statistical techniques and thematic analysis for quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. Workplan: The research will be conducted over a period of three-months. The workplan includes the following key activities: literature review, research proposal development, ethical approval, data collection tool development, recruitment and training of research assistants, data collection (questionnaire administration and interviews), data analysis, report writing, and dissemination of findings.