Abstract
Background: Antibiotic resistance (ABR) is one of the major issues around the globe. Timely education and awareness of pharmacy students regarding the appropriate use of antibiotics, ABR, and antimicrobial stewardships are required. Methods: The present study was first conducted in 12 (public and private sector) universities among undergraduate pharmacy students (UGPS) (n = 414) irrespective of their study year through a validated questionnaire, and the insights of pharmacy teachers were taken through in-depth semi-structured interviews in the second phase. For the quantitative data, different statistical methods were used, and data were presented in tabulated form, whereas inductive thematic interpretation was used to categorize themes and derive conclusions from qualitative evidence. Results: The majority of the students were males (n = 223, 54%) with the mean age group 19–23 years, and 20 faculty members were interviewed with a mean duration of 15 min. Students have good knowledge about antibiotics use and the majority purchased antibiotics through prescription (n = 277, 66.9%) during the last month and strongly agreed to stop unnecessary household storage (n = 183 44.2%). Most of the students have heard the terminologies related to antimicrobial resistance through social media while unaware (n = 104, 25.1%) of a Pakistan national action plan against AMR (antimicrobial resistance). Overall, respondents have a somewhat good understanding of the ABR. Regular use of antibiotics without consultation of a physician can lead to ABR and some wrong answers were observed (162, 39.1%; p > 0.05). The majority of the students (n = 198, 47.8%) and teachers believe that the current pharmacy syllabus must be swiftly updated with the new subjects related to ABR and AMS (antimicrobial stewardship) in Pakistan. The UGPS have emphasized (n = 220, 53.1%; Median = 1, IQR = 2) establishing a link between academia and hospitals. The ABR issue has been highlighted by pharmacy faculty members, who have urged students to take practical efforts toward ABR and AMS knowledge. Conclusion: The UGPS knowledge related to ABR and AMS must be updated. Students at the undergraduate level must get training in order to encourage the sensible use of antibiotics. Courses on ABR and AMS should be included in present pharmacy curricula.
Highlights
Antibiotics are used to treat a variety of infections because of their inherited capacity to prevent pathogenic microorganisms from growing or killing them (Martin et al, 2020)
This study aimed to explore the role of pharmacy students and teachers in antibiotic resistance and antibiotic stewardship programs in Pakistan
This study revealed different aspects and the understanding of pharmacy students on Antibiotic resistance (ABR), antimicrobial/antibiotic stewardship programs (AMSP), and teachers of pharmacy institutes highlighted the core issues, especially the present syllabus, which has ABR-related topics but under the scope of microbiology, which is not enough
Summary
Antibiotics are used to treat a variety of infections because of their inherited capacity to prevent pathogenic microorganisms from growing or killing them (Martin et al, 2020). ABR has emerged as a result of the continued irrational and injudicious use of antibiotics. In the United States (US), nearly 2 million people are infected by resistant infections per year, resulting in the deaths of 23,000 patients and a loss of 55 billion dollars (Hayat et al, 2021). Owing to the lack of modern antibiotics, the devastating results attributed to ABR are continually rising (Hayat et al, 2021). A WHO (world health organization) report revealed that out of a total of 67% of antibiotics used in the community about 30% are used irrationally by healthcare providers (Koivusalo and Mackintosh, 2008). Antibiotic resistance (ABR) is one of the major issues around the globe. Education and awareness of pharmacy students regarding the appropriate use of antibiotics, ABR, and antimicrobial stewardships are required
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