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Murray JL, Leung DT, Hanson OR, Ahmed SM, Pavia AT, Khan AI, Szymczak JE, Vaughn VM, Patel PK, Biswas D, Watt MH. Drivers of inappropriate use of antimicrobials in South Asia: A systematic review of qualitative literature. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0002507. [PMID: 38573955 PMCID: PMC10994369 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a global public health crisis. Effective antimicrobial stewardship requires an understanding of the factors and context that contribute to inappropriate use of antimicrobials. The goal of this qualitative systematic review was to synthesize themes across levels of the social ecological framework that drive inappropriate use of antimicrobials in South Asia. In September 2023, we conducted a systematic search using the electronic databases PubMed and Embase. Search terms, identified a priori, were related to research methods, topic, and geographic location. We identified 165 articles from the initial search and 8 upon reference review (n = 173); after removing duplicates and preprints (n = 12) and excluding those that did not meet eligibility criteria (n = 115), 46 articles were included in the review. We assessed methodological quality using the qualitative Critical Appraisal Skills Program checklist. The studies represented 6 countries in South Asia, and included data from patients, health care providers, community members, and policy makers. For each manuscript, we wrote a summary memo to extract the factors that impede antimicrobial stewardship. We coded memos using NVivo software; codes were organized by levels of the social ecological framework. Barriers were identified at multiple levels including the patient (self-treatment with antimicrobials; perceived value of antimicrobials), the provider (antimicrobials as a universal therapy; gaps in knowledge and skills; financial or reputational incentives), the clinical setting (lack of resources; poor regulation of the facility), the community (access to formal health care; informal drug vendors; social norms), and policy (absence of a regulatory framework; poor implementation of existing policies). This study is the first to succinctly identify a range of norms, behaviors, and policy contexts driving inappropriate use of antimicrobials in South Asia, emphasizing the importance of working across multiple sectors to design and implement approaches specific to the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L. Murray
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
- School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Daniel T. Leung
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Olivia R. Hanson
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Sharia M. Ahmed
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Andrew T. Pavia
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Ashraful I. Khan
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Julia E. Szymczak
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Valerie M. Vaughn
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Payal K. Patel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Intermountain Health, Murray, Utah, United States of America
| | - Debashish Biswas
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Melissa H. Watt
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
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Sado K, Keenan K, Manataki A, Kesby M, Mushi MF, Mshana SE, Mwanga JR, Neema S, Asiimwe B, Bazira J, Kiiru J, Green DL, Ke X, Maldonado-Barragán A, Abed Al Ahad M, Fredricks KJ, Gillespie SH, Sabiiti W, Mmbaga BT, Kibiki G, Aanensen D, Smith VA, Sandeman A, Sloan DJ, Holden MTG. Treatment seeking behaviours, antibiotic use and relationships to multi-drug resistance: A study of urinary tract infection patients in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0002709. [PMID: 38363770 PMCID: PMC10871516 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Antibacterial resistance (ABR) is a major public health threat. An important accelerating factor is treatment-seeking behaviour, including inappropriate antibiotic (AB) use. In many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) this includes taking ABs with and without prescription sourced from various providers, including health facilities and community drug sellers. However, investigations of complex treatment-seeking, AB use and drug resistance in LMICs are scarce. The Holistic Approach to Unravel Antibacterial Resistance in East Africa (HATUA) Consortium collected questionnaire and microbiological data from adult outpatients with urinary tract infection (UTI)-like symptoms presenting at healthcare facilities in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Using data from 6,388 patients, we analysed patterns of self-reported treatment seeking behaviours ('patient pathways') using process mining and single-channel sequence analysis. Among those with microbiologically confirmed UTI (n = 1,946), we used logistic regression to assess the relationship between treatment seeking behaviour, AB use, and the likelihood of having a multi-drug resistant (MDR) UTI. The most common treatment pathway for UTI-like symptoms in this sample involved attending health facilities, rather than other providers like drug sellers. Patients from sites in Tanzania and Uganda, where over 50% of patients had an MDR UTI, were more likely to report treatment failures, and have repeat visits to providers than those from Kenyan sites, where MDR UTI proportions were lower (33%). There was no strong or consistent relationship between individual AB use and likelihood of MDR UTI, after accounting for country context. The results highlight the hurdles East African patients face in accessing effective UTI care. These challenges are exacerbated by high rates of MDR UTI, suggesting a vicious cycle of failed treatment attempts and sustained selection for drug resistance. Whilst individual AB use may contribute to the risk of MDR UTI, our data show that factors related to context are stronger drivers of variations in ABR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keina Sado
- University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Mike Kesby
- University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Martha F. Mushi
- Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | | | - Joseph R. Mwanga
- Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Joel Bazira
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - John Kiiru
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Xuejia Ke
- University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Blandina T. Mmbaga
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Gibson Kibiki
- Africa Excellence Research Fund, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - V. Anne Smith
- University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
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Murray JL, Leung DT, Hanson OR, Ahmed SM, Pavia AT, Khan AI, Szymczak JE, Vaughn VM, Patel PK, Biswas D, Watt MH. Drivers of inappropriate use of antimicrobials in South Asia: A systematic review of qualitative literature. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.09.28.23296313. [PMID: 37808732 PMCID: PMC10557824 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.28.23296313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a global public health crisis. Effective antimicrobial stewardship requires an understanding of the factors and context that contribute to inappropriate use of antimicrobials. The goal of this qualitative systematic review was to synthesize themes across levels of the social ecological framework that drive inappropriate use of antimicrobials in South Asia. In September 2023, we conducted a systematic search using the electronic databases PubMed and Embase. Search terms, identified a priori, were related to research methods, topic, and geographic location. We identified 165 articles from the initial search and 8 upon reference review (n=173); after removing duplicates and preprints (n=12) and excluding those that did not meet eligibility criteria (n=115), 46 articles were included in the review. We assessed methodological quality using the qualitative Critical Appraisal Skills Program checklist. The studies represented 6 countries in South Asia, and included data from patients, health care providers, community members, and policy makers. For each manuscript, we wrote a summary memo to extract the factors that impede antimicrobial stewardship. We coded memos using NVivo software; codes were organized by levels of the social ecological framework. Barriers were identified at multiple levels including the patient (self-treatment with antimicrobials; perceived value of antimicrobials), the provider (antimicrobials as a universal therapy; gaps in knowledge and skills; financial or reputational incentives), the clinical setting (lack of resources; poor regulation of the facility), the community (access to formal health care; informal drug vendors; social norms), and policy (absence of a regulatory framework; poor implementation of existing policies). The findings highlight the importance of working across multiple sectors to design and implement approaches to antimicrobial stewardship in South Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L. Murray
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA
- School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - Daniel T. Leung
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - Olivia R. Hanson
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - Sharia M. Ahmed
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - Andrew T. Pavia
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - Ashraful I. Khan
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Julia E. Szymczak
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - Valerie M. Vaughn
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - Payal K. Patel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Intermountain Health, Murray, UT
| | - Debashish Biswas
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Melissa H. Watt
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA
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Zhang T, Lin H, Zhao X, Wang W, Yan F, Lambert H. Influences on treatment-seeking and antibiotic use for common illnesses in eastern China. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1849. [PMID: 37740203 PMCID: PMC10517519 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16700-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antibiotic resistance rates remain high in China where antibiotics are widely used for common illnesses. This study aimed to investigate the influences on people's decisions on treatment and antibiotic use for common illnesses in eastern China. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 29 patients recruited through convenience sampling between July 2020 and January 2021 in one hospital in County A in Zhejiang Province, and one hospital and one village clinic in County B in Jiangsu Province, respectively. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. This study is nested in a larger interdisciplinary mixed method project and we also compared our qualitative findings with quantitative results from a household survey conducted as part of this wider project. RESULTS Participants' decisions about treatment-seeking and antibiotic use for common illnesses were found to be influenced by four interactive domains. (i) Self-evaluation of illness severity: Participants tend to self-treat minor conditions with ordinary medicines first and do not resort to antibiotics unless the condition worsens or is considered inflammation- related. Visiting healthcare facilities is seen as the final option. (ii) Access to and trust in care: These treatment-seeking practices are also associated with the perception, in contrast with retail pharmacies, hospitals provide professional and trustworthy care but are difficult to access, and hence require visiting only for severe illness. (iii) Prior experience: previous medical treatment and experiences of self-medication also influence participants' treatment decisions including the use of antibiotics. (iv) Medication characteristics: Participants view antibiotics as powerful medicines with harms and risks, requiring consumers to carefully trade off benefits and harms before use. CONCLUSIONS People's treatment decisions in relation to antibiotic use in eastern China are influenced by an interplay of lay conceptual models of illnesses and antibiotics and broader organisational, social, and contextual factors. Interventions focusing on individual education to incorporate biomedical knowledge into lay understandings, and reducing situational and social incentives for self-medicating with antibiotics by strengthening access to quality professional care, would be helpful in promoting antibiotic stewardship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Zhang
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Hanyi Lin
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment of National Health Commission, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinping Zhao
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment of National Health Commission, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment of National Health Commission, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Yan
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment of National Health Commission, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Helen Lambert
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
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Miah MS, Sherer PP, Sumpradit N, Sringernyuang L. The reality of embedded drug purchasing practices: Understanding the sociocultural and economic aspects of the use of medicines in Bangladesh. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287009. [PMID: 37379283 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Purchasing drugs with or without prescription from retail drug shops is common practice in Bangladesh. However, what actually takes place between the drug seller and customer during the transaction is under-researched. This study explores the drug purchasing practices which underlie the socio-cultural and economic aspects of a Bangladeshi city. METHODS Adopting ethnographic methods, we conducted thirty in-depth interviews (IDIs) with customers, patients, and sales assistants, and ten key informant interviews (KIIs) with drug sellers, experienced sales assistants and pharmaceutical company representatives. Thirty hours were spent observing drug sellers' and buyers' conversations and interactions for medicine. A total of 40 heterogeneous participants were purposively selected from three drug stores. Transcribed data were coded, and analyzed thematically. RESULTS We found through thematic analysis that some individuals visited the drug store with fixed ideas about the name, brand, and dose of the drugs they wanted. Among the 30 IDIs participants, most individuals come without any preconceived ideas, describe their symptoms, and negotiate purchases with the expectation of quick remedies. Cultural practices of buying medicines in full or partial course of doses, with or without prescription, trust in sellers, and positive previous experiences of medications shape the drug purchasing behavior, regardless of any preconceived ideas concerning brand name, and dose. Few customers (n = 7) sought drugs by trade name, but most drug sellers often offered a generic substitute because selling non-brand drugs is more profitable. Notably, many of the clients (n = 13) bought drugs through installment payments and with loans. CONCLUSION Community people choose and purchase the most necessary medicines in a self-medicated way from shortly trained drug sellers that can harm individuals' health and reduce the effectiveness of medication. In addition, the results of buying medicine through installments and loans suggest further research on the financial burden of consumers' purchasing behavior. Policymakers, regulators, and healthcare professionals might implicate the study findings to deliver practical information on the rational use of medicines to sellers and customers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Shahgahan Miah
- Department of Anthropology, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh
| | | | - Nithima Sumpradit
- Medicines Regulation Division, Food and Drug Administration, Ministry of Public Health, Yasothon, Thailand
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Keenan K, Fredricks KJ, Al Ahad MA, Neema S, Mwanga JR, Kesby M, Mushi MF, Aduda A, Green DL, Lynch AG, Huque SI, Mmbaga BT, Worthington H, Kansiime C, Olamijuwon E, Ntinginya NE, Loza O, Bazira J, Maldonado-Barragán A, Smith VA, Decano AG, Njeru JM, Sandeman A, Stelling J, Elliott A, Aanensen D, Gillespie SH, Kibiki G, Sabiiti W, Sloan DJ, Asiimwe BB, Kiiru J, Mshana SE, Holden MTG. Unravelling patient pathways in the context of antibacterial resistance in East Africa. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:414. [PMID: 37337134 PMCID: PMC10278291 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08392-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A key factor driving the development and maintenance of antibacterial resistance (ABR) is individuals' use of antibiotics (ABs) to treat illness. To better understand motivations and context for antibiotic use we use the concept of a patient treatment-seeking pathway: a treatment journey encompassing where patients go when they are unwell, what motivates their choices, and how they obtain antibiotics. This paper investigates patterns and determinants of patient treatment-seeking pathways, and how they intersect with AB use in East Africa, a region where ABR-attributable deaths are exceptionally high. METHODS The Holistic Approach to Unravelling Antibacterial Resistance (HATUA) Consortium collected quantitative data from 6,827 adult outpatients presenting with urinary tract infection (UTI) symptoms in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda between February 2019- September 2020, and conducted qualitative in-depth patient interviews with a subset (n = 116). We described patterns of treatment-seeking visually using Sankey plots and explored explanations and motivations using mixed-methods. Using Bayesian hierarchical regression modelling, we investigated the associations between socio-demographic, economic, healthcare, and attitudinal factors and three factors related to ABR: self-treatment as a first step, having a multi-step treatment pathway, and consuming ABs. RESULTS Although most patients (86%) sought help from medical facilities in the first instance, many (56%) described multi-step, repetitive treatment-seeking pathways, which further increased the likelihood of consuming ABs. Higher socio-economic status patients were more likely to consume ABs and have multi-step pathways. Reasons for choosing providers (e.g., cost, location, time) were conditioned by wider structural factors such as hybrid healthcare systems and AB availability. CONCLUSION There is likely to be a reinforcing cycle between complex, repetitive treatment pathways, AB consumption and ABR. A focus on individual antibiotic use as the key intervention point in this cycle ignores the contextual challenges patients face when treatment seeking, which include inadequate access to diagnostics, perceived inefficient public healthcare and ease of purchasing antibiotics without prescription. Pluralistic healthcare landscapes may promote more complex treatment seeking and therefore inappropriate AB use. We recommend further attention to healthcare system factors, focussing on medical facilities (e.g., accessible diagnostics, patient-doctor interactions, information flows), and community AB access points (e.g., drug sellers).
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Keenan
- School of Geography and Sustainable Development, University of St. Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9AL, UK.
| | - Kathryn J Fredricks
- School of Geography and Sustainable Development, University of St. Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9AL, UK
| | - Mary Abed Al Ahad
- School of Geography and Sustainable Development, University of St. Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9AL, UK
| | | | - Joseph R Mwanga
- Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Mike Kesby
- School of Geography and Sustainable Development, University of St. Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9AL, UK
| | - Martha F Mushi
- Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | | | - Dominique L Green
- School of Geography and Sustainable Development, University of St. Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9AL, UK
| | - Andy G Lynch
- School of Geography and Sustainable Development, University of St. Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9AL, UK
| | - Sarah I Huque
- School of Geography and Sustainable Development, University of St. Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9AL, UK
| | - Blandina T Mmbaga
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute and Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Hannah Worthington
- School of Geography and Sustainable Development, University of St. Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9AL, UK
| | | | - Emmanuel Olamijuwon
- School of Geography and Sustainable Development, University of St. Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9AL, UK
| | | | - Olga Loza
- School of Geography and Sustainable Development, University of St. Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9AL, UK
| | | | | | - VAnne Smith
- School of Geography and Sustainable Development, University of St. Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9AL, UK
| | - Arun Gonzales Decano
- School of Geography and Sustainable Development, University of St. Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9AL, UK
| | | | - Alison Sandeman
- School of Geography and Sustainable Development, University of St. Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9AL, UK
| | | | - Alison Elliott
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | | | - Stephen H Gillespie
- School of Geography and Sustainable Development, University of St. Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9AL, UK
| | | | - Wilber Sabiiti
- School of Geography and Sustainable Development, University of St. Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9AL, UK
| | - Derek J Sloan
- School of Geography and Sustainable Development, University of St. Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9AL, UK
| | | | - John Kiiru
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Stephen E Mshana
- Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Matthew T G Holden
- School of Geography and Sustainable Development, University of St. Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9AL, UK
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Sado K, Keenan K, Manataki A, Kesby M, Mushi MF, Mshana SE, Mwanga J, Neema S, Asiimwe B, Bazira J, Kiiru J, Green DL, Ke X, Maldonado-Barragán A, Abed Al Ahad M, Fredricks K, Gillespie SH, Sabiiti W, Mmbaga BT, Kibiki G, Aanensen D, Smith VA, Sandeman A, Sloan DJ, Holden MT. Treatment seeking behaviours, antibiotic use and relationships to multi-drug resistance: A study of urinary tract infection patients in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.03.04.23286801. [PMID: 36945627 PMCID: PMC10029025 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.04.23286801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Antibacterial resistance (ABR) is a major public health threat. An important accelerating factor is treatment-seeking behaviours, including inappropriate antibiotic (AB) use. In many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) this includes taking ABs with and without prescription sourced from various providers, including health facilities and community drug sellers. However, investigations of complex treatment-seeking, AB use and drug resistance in LMICs are scarce. The Holistic Approach to Unravel Antibacterial Resistance in East Africa (HATUA) Consortium collected questionnaire and microbiological data from 6,827 adult outpatients with urinary tract infection (UTI)-like symptoms presenting at healthcare facilities in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Among 6,388 patients we analysed patterns of self-reported treatment seeking behaviours ('patient pathways') using process mining and single-channel sequence analysis. Of those with microbiologically confirmed UTI (n=1,946), we used logistic regression to assessed the relationship between treatment seeking behaviour, AB use, and likelihood of having a multi-drug resistant (MDR) UTI. The most common treatment pathways for UTI-like symptoms included attending health facilities, rather than other providers (e.g. drug sellers). Patients from the sites sampled in Tanzania and Uganda, where prevalence of MDR UTI was over 50%, were more likely to report treatment failures, and have repeated visits to clinics/other providers, than those from Kenyan sites, where MDR UTI rates were lower (33%). There was no strong or consistent relationship between individual AB use and risk of MDR UTI, after accounting for country context. The results highlight challenges East African patients face in accessing effective UTI treatment. These challenges increase where rates of MDR UTI are higher, suggesting a reinforcing circle of failed treatment attempts and sustained selection for drug resistance. Whilst individual behaviours may contribute to the risk of MDR UTI, our data show that factors related to context are stronger drivers of ABR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keina Sado
- University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | | | | | - Mike Kesby
- University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Martha F Mushi
- Catholic University Of Health And Allied Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Stephen E Mshana
- Catholic University Of Health And Allied Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Joseph Mwanga
- Catholic University Of Health And Allied Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Joel Bazira
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - John Kiiru
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Xuejia Ke
- University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Blandina T Mmbaga
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania; Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi Tanzania
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Mahmud ASM, Seers CA, Shaikh AA, Taznin T, Uzzaman MS, Osman E, Habib MA, Akter S, Banu TA, Sarkar MMH, Goswami B, Jahan I, Okeoma CM, Khan MS, Reynolds EC. A multicentre study reveals dysbiosis in the microbial co-infection and antimicrobial resistance gene profile in the nasopharynx of COVID-19 patients. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4122. [PMID: 36914691 PMCID: PMC10009844 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30504-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the nasopharyngeal microbiome has not been well characterised. We sequenced genetic material extracted from nasopharyngeal swabs of SARS-CoV-2-positive individuals who were asymptomatic (n = 14), had mild (n = 64) or severe symptoms (n = 11), as well as from SARS-CoV-2-negative individuals who had never-been infected (n = 5) or had recovered from infection (n = 7). Using robust filters, we identified 1345 taxa with approximately 0.1% or greater read abundance. Overall, the severe cohort microbiome was least diverse. Bacterial pathogens were found in all cohorts, but fungal species identifications were rare. Few taxa were common between cohorts suggesting a limited human nasopharynx core microbiome. Genes encoding resistance mechanisms to 10 antimicrobial classes (> 25% sequence coverages, 315 genes, 63 non-redundant) were identified, with β-lactam resistance genes near ubiquitous. Patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 (asymptomatic and mild) had a greater incidence of antibiotic resistance genes and a greater microbial burden than the SARS-CoV-2-negative individuals. This should be considered when deciding how to treat COVID-19 related bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Sayeed M Mahmud
- Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Dr. Qudrat-E-Khuda Road, Dhaka, 1205, Bangladesh
| | - Christine A Seers
- The Oral Health Cooperative Research Centre, Melbourne Dental School, Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Aftab Ali Shaikh
- Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Dr. Qudrat-E-Khuda Road, Dhaka, 1205, Bangladesh
| | - Tarannum Taznin
- Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh
| | | | - Eshrar Osman
- SciTech Consulting and Solutions, Dhaka, 1213, Bangladesh
| | - Md Ahashan Habib
- Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Dr. Qudrat-E-Khuda Road, Dhaka, 1205, Bangladesh
| | - Shahina Akter
- Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Dr. Qudrat-E-Khuda Road, Dhaka, 1205, Bangladesh
| | - Tanjina Akhtar Banu
- Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Dr. Qudrat-E-Khuda Road, Dhaka, 1205, Bangladesh
| | - Md Murshed Hasan Sarkar
- Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Dr. Qudrat-E-Khuda Road, Dhaka, 1205, Bangladesh
| | - Barna Goswami
- Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Dr. Qudrat-E-Khuda Road, Dhaka, 1205, Bangladesh
| | - Iffat Jahan
- Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Dr. Qudrat-E-Khuda Road, Dhaka, 1205, Bangladesh
| | - Chioma M Okeoma
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, New York Medical College, 40 Sunshine Cottage Rd, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA
| | - Md Salim Khan
- Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Dr. Qudrat-E-Khuda Road, Dhaka, 1205, Bangladesh.
| | - Eric C Reynolds
- The Oral Health Cooperative Research Centre, Melbourne Dental School, Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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Microbial Contamination and Antibiotic Resistance in Marketed Food in Bangladesh: Current Situation and Possible Improvements. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12030555. [PMID: 36978422 PMCID: PMC10044357 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12030555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a public health problem worldwide. Bangladesh, like its neighboring countries, faces many public health challenges, including access to safe food, inadequate food surveillance, as well as increasing AMR. This study investigated bacterial contamination and the AMR profile of pathogens in marketed food in Bangladesh and explored barriers to reducing AMR in the country. We collected 366 tomatoes, 359 chicken and 249 fish samples from 732 vendors in traditional markets in urban, peri-urban and rural areas in Bangladesh, as well as from 121 modern retails in Dhaka capital to analyse Vibrio cholerae and Escherichia coli in fish, Salmonella in chicken, and Salmonella and E. coli in tomatoes. Antibiotic susceptibility against 11 antibiotics was tested using a disc diffusion test and interpreted by an automated zone inhibition reader. In addition, a qualitative study using key informant interviews was conducted to explore antimicrobial use and AMR reduction potential in Bangladesh. We found E. coli in 14.21% of tomatoes and 26.91% of fish samples, while 7.38% of tomatoes and 17.27% of chicken were positive for Salmonella, and 44.98% of fish were positive for Vibrio cholerae. In total 231/319 (72.4%) of all pathogens isolated were multidrug-resistant (MDR) (resistant to three or more antibiotic groups). Qualitative interviews revealed an inadequate surveillance system for antibiotic use and AMR in Bangladesh, especially in the agriculture sector. To be able to fully understand the human health risks from bacterial hazards in the food and the AMR situation in Bangladesh, a nationwide study with a one health approach should be conducted, within all sectors, including AMR testing as well as assessment of the antimicrobial use and its drivers.
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Rousham EK, Nahar P, Uddin MR, Islam MA, Nizame FA, Khisa N, Akter SMS, Munim MS, Rahman M, Unicomb L. Gender and urban-rural influences on antibiotic purchasing and prescription use in retail drug shops: a one health study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:229. [PMID: 36732727 PMCID: PMC9896778 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15155-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Few studies have reported antibiotic purchases from retail drug shops in relation to gender in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Using a One Health approach, we aimed to examine gender dimensions of antibiotic purchases for humans and animals and use of prescriptions in retail drug shops in Bangladesh. METHODS We conducted customer observations in 20 drug shops in one rural and one urban area. Customer gender, antibiotic purchases, and prescription use were recorded during a four-hour observation (2 sessions of 2 hours) in each shop. We included drug shops selling human medicine (n = 15); animal medicine (n = 3), and shops selling both human and animal medicine (n = 2). RESULTS Of 582 observations, 31.6% of drug shop customers were women. Women comprised almost half of customers (47.1%) in urban drug shops but only 17.2% of customers in rural drug shops (p < 0.001). Antibiotic purchases were more common in urban than rural shops (21.6% versus 12.2% of all transactions, p = 0.003). Only a quarter (26.0%) of customers who purchased antibiotics used a prescription. Prescription use for antibiotics was more likely among women than men (odds ratio (OR) = 4.04, 95% CI 1.55, 10.55) and more likely among urban compared to rural customers (OR = 4.31 95% CI 1.34, 13.84). After adjusting for urban-rural locality, women remained more likely to use a prescription than men (adjusted OR = 3.38, 95% CI 1.26, 9.09) but this was in part due to antibiotics bought by men for animals without prescription. Customers in drug shops selling animal medicine had the lowest use of prescriptions for antibiotics (4.8% of antibiotic purchases). CONCLUSION This study found that nearly three-quarters of all antibiotics sold were without prescription, including antibiotics on the list of critically important antimicrobials for human medicine. Men attending drug shops were more likely to purchase antibiotics without a prescription compared to women, while women customers were underrepresented in rural drug shops. Antibiotic stewardship initiatives in the community need to consider gender and urban-rural dimensions of drug shop uptake and prescription use for antibiotics in both human and animal medicine. Such initiatives could strengthen National Action Plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily K. Rousham
- grid.6571.50000 0004 1936 8542School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, LE11 3TU Loughborough, Leicestershire, UK
| | - Papreen Nahar
- grid.12082.390000 0004 1936 7590Department of Global Health and Infection, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton and Hove, UK
| | - Mohammad Rofi Uddin
- grid.414142.60000 0004 0600 7174Environmental Interventions Unit, Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Aminul Islam
- grid.30064.310000 0001 2157 6568Paul G. Allen School for Global Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA USA
| | - Fosiul Alam Nizame
- grid.414142.60000 0004 0600 7174Environmental Interventions Unit, Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Nirnita Khisa
- Tarum Development Organization, Rangamati, Bangladesh
| | - S. M. Salim Akter
- grid.414142.60000 0004 0600 7174Environmental Interventions Unit, Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Saeed Munim
- grid.414142.60000 0004 0600 7174Environmental Interventions Unit, Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mahbubur Rahman
- grid.414142.60000 0004 0600 7174Environmental Interventions Unit, Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Leanne Unicomb
- grid.414142.60000 0004 0600 7174Environmental Interventions Unit, Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
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11
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Malijan GM, Howteerakul N, Ali N, Siri S, Kengganpanich M, Nascimento R, Booton RD, Turner KM, Cooper BS, Meeyai A. A scoping review of antibiotic use practices and drivers of inappropriate antibiotic use in animal farms in WHO Southeast Asia region. One Health 2022; 15:100412. [PMID: 36277092 PMCID: PMC9582544 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2022.100412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic use (ABU) plays an important role in the proliferation of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Global antimicrobial consumption in food production is projected to rise by 67% from 2010 to 2030, but available estimates are limited by the scarcity of ABU data and absence of global surveillance systems. The WHO South-East Asia (WHO SEA) region is at high risk of emergence of AMR, likely driven by intensifying farm operations and worsening ABU hotspots. However, little is known about farm-level ABU practices in the region. To summarize emerging evidence and research gaps, we conducted a scoping review of ABU practices following the Arksey and O'Malley methodological framework. We included studies published between 2010 and 2021 on farm-level ABU/AMR in the 11 WHO SEA member states, and databases were last searched on 31 October 2021. Our search strategy identified 184 unique articles, and 25 publications underwent full-text eligibility assessment. Seventeen studies, reported in 18 publications, were included in the scoping review. We found heterogeneity in the categorizations, definitions, and ABU characterization methods used across studies and farm types. Most studies involved poultry, pig, and cattle farms, and only one study examined aquaculture. Most studies evaluated ABU prevalence by asking respondents about the presence or absence of ABU in the farm. Only two studies quantified antibiotic consumption, and sampling bias and lack of standardized data collection methods were identified as key limitations. Emerging evidence that farm workers had difficulty differentiating antibiotics from other substances contributed to the uncertainty about the reliability of self-reported data without other validation techniques. ABU for growth promotion and treatment were prevalent. We found a large overlap in the critically important antibiotics used in farm animals and humans. The ease of access to antibiotics compounded by the difficulties in accessing quality veterinary care and preventive services likely drive inappropriate ABU in complex ways. The methods used to characterize antibiotic use in farm animals are heterogenous. Studies characterizing antibiotic use are limited in number and validity. The antibiotics used in farm animals are critically important to human medicine. Easy antibiotic access and limited veterinary care likely drive inappropriate use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greco Mark Malijan
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3SY, United Kingdom
| | - Nopporn Howteerakul
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, 420/1 Ratchawithi Rd., Ratchathewi District, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Natasha Ali
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3SY, United Kingdom
| | - Sukhontha Siri
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, 420/1 Ratchawithi Rd., Ratchathewi District, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Mondha Kengganpanich
- Department of Health Education and Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, 420/1 Ratchawithi Rd., Ratchathewi District, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | | | - Roger Nascimento
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3SY, United Kingdom
| | - Ross D. Booton
- UK Health Security Agency, 133-155 Waterloo Road, London, SE1 8UG, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ben S. Cooper
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3SY, United Kingdom
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Thailand
| | - Aronrag Meeyai
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3SY, United Kingdom
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, 420/1 Ratchawithi Rd., Ratchathewi District, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Corresponding author at: Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3SY, United Kingdom.
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12
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MacPherson EE, Reynolds J, Sanudi E, Nkaombe A, Mankhomwa J, Dixon J, Chandler CIR. Understanding antimicrobial use in subsistence farmers in Chikwawa District Malawi, implications for public awareness campaigns. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000314. [PMID: 36962375 PMCID: PMC10021458 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Drug resistant infections are increasing across the world and urgent action is required to preserve current classes of antibiotics. Antibiotic use practices in low-and-middle-income countries have gained international attention, especially as antibiotics are often accessed beyond the formal health system. Public awareness campaigns have gained popularity, often conceptualising antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as a problem of excess, precipitated by irrational behaviour. Insufficient attention has been paid to people's lived experiences of accessing medicines in low-income contexts. In Chikwawa District, Malawi, a place of extreme scarcity, our study aimed to understand the care and medicine use practices of households dependent on subsistence farming. Adopting an anthropological approach, we undertook medicine interviews (100), ethnographic fieldwork (six-month period) and key informant interviews (33) with a range of participants in two villages in rural Chikwawa. The most frequently used drugs were cotrimoxazole and amoxicillin, not considered to be of critical importance to human health. Participants recognised that keeping, sharing, and buying medicines informally was not the "right thing." However, they described using antibiotics and other medicines in these ways due to conditions of extreme precarity, the costs and limitations of seeking formal care in the public sector, and the inevitability of future illness. Our findings emphasise the need in contexts of extreme scarcity to equip policy actors with interventions to address AMR through strengthening health systems, rather than public awareness campaigns that foreground overuse and the dangers of using antibiotics beyond the formal sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor E. MacPherson
- Blantyre Malawi and Department of Clinical Sciences, Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Joanna Reynolds
- Sheffield Hallam University and Capacity Q, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Justin Dixon
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Clare I. R. Chandler
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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13
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Ahmed SM, Naher N, Tune SNBK, Islam BZ. The Implementation of National Action Plan (NAP) on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Bangladesh: Challenges and Lessons Learned from a Cross-Sectional Qualitative Study. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11050690. [PMID: 35625334 PMCID: PMC9137577 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11050690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
This study explored the current situation of the National Action Plan (NAP) on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) implementation in Bangladesh and examined how different sectors (human, animal, and environment) addressed the AMR problem in policy and practice, as well as associated challenges and barriers to identifying policy lessons and practices. Informed by a rapid review of the available literature and following the World Health Organization (WHO) AMR situation analysis framework, a guideline was developed to conduct in-depth interviews with selected stakeholders from January to December 2021. Data were analysed using an adapted version of Anderson’s governance framework. Findings reveal the absence of required inter-sectoral coordination essential to a multisectoral approach. There was substantial coordination between the human health and livestock/fisheries sectors, but the environment sector was conspicuously absent. The government initiated some hospital-based awareness programs and surveillance activities, yet no national Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework was established for NAP activities. Progress of implementation was slow, constrained by the shortage of a trained health workforce and financial resources, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic. To summarise, five years into the development of the NAP in Bangladesh, its implementation is not up to the level that the urgency of the situation requires. The policy and practice need to be cognisant of this fact and do the needful things to avoid a catastrophe.
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Makhdum N, Islam N, Rumi MH, Rashid MH. Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Rural People on Antibiotic Usage: Bangladesh Perspective. JOURNAL OF HEALTH MANAGEMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/09720634221088067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is a serious global health problem. This study endeavours to assess the current knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding antibiotic usage among the rural people of Meherpur district, Bangladesh. This study followed quantitative approach and used social survey method to collect data from 399 respondents of Meherpur district. Results reveal that the respondents had a moderate knowledge of antibiotic usage but a negative attitude towards following the guideline and poor practice in using antibiotics made the situation worse for them. The findings of this study will help for the policymakers to develop the current awareness level of the rural people regarding antibiotic use and will provide a guideline for the improvement of current community clinics health-care providers’ efficiency on their service provision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niaz Makhdum
- Department of Public Administration, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Naznin Islam
- Department of Public Administration, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Maruf Hasan Rumi
- Department of Public Administration, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Harunur Rashid
- Department of Public Administration and Governance Studies, Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, Trishal, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
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15
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Islam MA, Akhtar Z, Hassan MZ, Chowdhury S, Rashid MM, Aleem MA, Ghosh PK, Mah-E-Muneer S, Parveen S, Ahmmed MK, Ahmed MS, Basher AK, Palit A, Biswas MAAJ, Khan Z, Islam K, Debnath N, Rahman M, Chowdhury F. Pattern of Antibiotic Dispensing at Pharmacies According to the WHO Access, Watch, Reserve (AWaRe) Classification in Bangladesh. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:247. [PMID: 35203851 PMCID: PMC8868217 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11020247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The WHO Essential Medicines List Access, Watch, and Reserve (AWaRe) classification could facilitate antibiotic stewardship and optimal use. In Bangladesh, data on antibiotic dispensing in pharmacies according to the AWaRe classification are scarce. We aimed to explore antibiotic dispensing pattern in pharmacies according to the WHO AWaRe classification to aid pharmacy-targeted national antibiotic stewardship program (ASP). From January to July 2021, we interviewed drug-sellers from randomly selected pharmacies and randomly selected customers attending the pharmacies. We collected data on demographics and medicines purchased. We classified the purchased antibiotics into the Access, Watch, and Reserve groups among 128 pharmacies surveyed, 98 (76.6%) were licensed; 61 (47.7%) drug-sellers had pharmacy training. Of 2686 customers interviewed; 580 (21.6%) purchased antibiotics. Among the 580 customers, 523 purchased one, 52 purchased two, and 5 purchased three courses of antibiotics (total 642 courses). Of the antibiotic courses, the Watch group accounted for the majority (344, 53.6%), followed by the Access (234, 36.4%) and Reserve (64, 10.0%) groups. Approximately half of the antibiotics (327/642, 50.9%) were purchased without a registered physician's prescription. Dispensing of non-prescribed antibiotics was higher in the Access group (139/234, 59.4%), followed by Watch (160/344, 46.5%) and Reserve (28/64, 43.8%) groups. These findings highlight the need to implement strict policies and enforce existing laws, and pharmacy-targeted ASP focusing on proper dispensing practices to mitigate antimicrobial resistance in Bangladesh.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Ariful Islam
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (Z.A.); (M.Z.H.); (S.C.); (M.M.R.); (M.A.A.); (P.K.G.); (S.M.-E.-M.); (S.P.); (M.K.A.); (M.S.A.); (A.K.B.); (A.P.); (M.A.A.J.B.); (M.R.); (F.C.)
| | - Zubair Akhtar
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (Z.A.); (M.Z.H.); (S.C.); (M.M.R.); (M.A.A.); (P.K.G.); (S.M.-E.-M.); (S.P.); (M.K.A.); (M.S.A.); (A.K.B.); (A.P.); (M.A.A.J.B.); (M.R.); (F.C.)
| | - Md. Zakiul Hassan
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (Z.A.); (M.Z.H.); (S.C.); (M.M.R.); (M.A.A.); (P.K.G.); (S.M.-E.-M.); (S.P.); (M.K.A.); (M.S.A.); (A.K.B.); (A.P.); (M.A.A.J.B.); (M.R.); (F.C.)
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 2JD, UK
| | - Sukanta Chowdhury
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (Z.A.); (M.Z.H.); (S.C.); (M.M.R.); (M.A.A.); (P.K.G.); (S.M.-E.-M.); (S.P.); (M.K.A.); (M.S.A.); (A.K.B.); (A.P.); (M.A.A.J.B.); (M.R.); (F.C.)
| | - Md. Mahbubur Rashid
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (Z.A.); (M.Z.H.); (S.C.); (M.M.R.); (M.A.A.); (P.K.G.); (S.M.-E.-M.); (S.P.); (M.K.A.); (M.S.A.); (A.K.B.); (A.P.); (M.A.A.J.B.); (M.R.); (F.C.)
| | - Mohammad Abdul Aleem
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (Z.A.); (M.Z.H.); (S.C.); (M.M.R.); (M.A.A.); (P.K.G.); (S.M.-E.-M.); (S.P.); (M.K.A.); (M.S.A.); (A.K.B.); (A.P.); (M.A.A.J.B.); (M.R.); (F.C.)
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 1466, Australia
| | - Probir Kumar Ghosh
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (Z.A.); (M.Z.H.); (S.C.); (M.M.R.); (M.A.A.); (P.K.G.); (S.M.-E.-M.); (S.P.); (M.K.A.); (M.S.A.); (A.K.B.); (A.P.); (M.A.A.J.B.); (M.R.); (F.C.)
| | - Syeda Mah-E-Muneer
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (Z.A.); (M.Z.H.); (S.C.); (M.M.R.); (M.A.A.); (P.K.G.); (S.M.-E.-M.); (S.P.); (M.K.A.); (M.S.A.); (A.K.B.); (A.P.); (M.A.A.J.B.); (M.R.); (F.C.)
| | - Shahana Parveen
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (Z.A.); (M.Z.H.); (S.C.); (M.M.R.); (M.A.A.); (P.K.G.); (S.M.-E.-M.); (S.P.); (M.K.A.); (M.S.A.); (A.K.B.); (A.P.); (M.A.A.J.B.); (M.R.); (F.C.)
| | - Md. Kaousar Ahmmed
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (Z.A.); (M.Z.H.); (S.C.); (M.M.R.); (M.A.A.); (P.K.G.); (S.M.-E.-M.); (S.P.); (M.K.A.); (M.S.A.); (A.K.B.); (A.P.); (M.A.A.J.B.); (M.R.); (F.C.)
| | - Md. Shakil Ahmed
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (Z.A.); (M.Z.H.); (S.C.); (M.M.R.); (M.A.A.); (P.K.G.); (S.M.-E.-M.); (S.P.); (M.K.A.); (M.S.A.); (A.K.B.); (A.P.); (M.A.A.J.B.); (M.R.); (F.C.)
| | - Ahamed Khairul Basher
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (Z.A.); (M.Z.H.); (S.C.); (M.M.R.); (M.A.A.); (P.K.G.); (S.M.-E.-M.); (S.P.); (M.K.A.); (M.S.A.); (A.K.B.); (A.P.); (M.A.A.J.B.); (M.R.); (F.C.)
| | - Anik Palit
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (Z.A.); (M.Z.H.); (S.C.); (M.M.R.); (M.A.A.); (P.K.G.); (S.M.-E.-M.); (S.P.); (M.K.A.); (M.S.A.); (A.K.B.); (A.P.); (M.A.A.J.B.); (M.R.); (F.C.)
| | - Md Abdullah Al Jubayer Biswas
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (Z.A.); (M.Z.H.); (S.C.); (M.M.R.); (M.A.A.); (P.K.G.); (S.M.-E.-M.); (S.P.); (M.K.A.); (M.S.A.); (A.K.B.); (A.P.); (M.A.A.J.B.); (M.R.); (F.C.)
| | - Zobaid Khan
- Fleming Fund Country Grant to Bangladesh, DAI Global, LLC, House 3, Road 23B, Gulshan 1, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (Z.K.); (K.I.); (N.D.)
| | - Khaleda Islam
- Fleming Fund Country Grant to Bangladesh, DAI Global, LLC, House 3, Road 23B, Gulshan 1, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (Z.K.); (K.I.); (N.D.)
| | - Nitish Debnath
- Fleming Fund Country Grant to Bangladesh, DAI Global, LLC, House 3, Road 23B, Gulshan 1, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (Z.K.); (K.I.); (N.D.)
| | - Mahmudur Rahman
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (Z.A.); (M.Z.H.); (S.C.); (M.M.R.); (M.A.A.); (P.K.G.); (S.M.-E.-M.); (S.P.); (M.K.A.); (M.S.A.); (A.K.B.); (A.P.); (M.A.A.J.B.); (M.R.); (F.C.)
- Global Health Development, EMPHNET, 69 Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Fahmida Chowdhury
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (Z.A.); (M.Z.H.); (S.C.); (M.M.R.); (M.A.A.); (P.K.G.); (S.M.-E.-M.); (S.P.); (M.K.A.); (M.S.A.); (A.K.B.); (A.P.); (M.A.A.J.B.); (M.R.); (F.C.)
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Understanding the social drivers of antibiotic use during COVID-19 in Bangladesh: Implications for reduction of antimicrobial resistance. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0261368. [PMID: 34905563 PMCID: PMC8670684 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health crisis that is now impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Little is known how COVID-19 risks influence people to consume antibiotics, particularly in contexts like Bangladesh where these pharmaceuticals can be purchased without a prescription. This paper identifies the social drivers of antibiotics use among home-based patients who have tested positive with SARS-CoV-2 or have COVID-19-like symptoms. Using qualitative telephone interviews, the research was conducted in two Bangladesh cities with 40 participants who reported that they had tested positive for coronavirus (n = 20) or had COVID-19-like symptoms (n = 20). Our analysis identified five themes in antibiotic use narratives: antibiotics as ‘big’ medicine; managing anxiety; dealing with social repercussions of COVID-19 infection; lack of access to COVID-19 testing and healthcare services; and informal sources of treatment advice. Antibiotics were seen to solve physical and social aspects of COVID-19 infection, with urgent ramifications for AMR in Bangladesh and more general implications for global efforts to mitigate AMR.
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17
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Tompson AC, Manderson L, Chandler CIR. Understanding antibiotic use: practices, structures and networks. JAC Antimicrob Resist 2021; 3:dlab150. [PMID: 34617017 PMCID: PMC8488471 DOI: 10.1093/jacamr/dlab150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In this article, we consider how social sciences can help us to understand the rising use of antibiotics globally. Drawing on ethnography as a way to research how we are in the world, we explore scholarship that situates antibiotic use in relation to interactions of pathogens, humans, animals and the environment in the context of globalization, changes in agriculture and urbanization. We group this research into three areas: practices, structures and networks. Much of the public health and related social research concerning antimicrobial resistance has focused on antibiotic use as a practice, with research characterizing how antibiotics are used by patients, farmers, fishermen, drug sellers, clinicians and others. Researchers have also positioned antibiotic use as emergent of political-economic structures, shedding light on how working and living conditions, quality of care, hygiene and sanitation foster reliance on antibiotics. A growing body of research sees antibiotics as embedded in networks that, in addition to social and institutional networks, comprise physical, technical and historical connections such as guidelines, supply chains and reporting systems. Taken together, this research emphasizes the multiple ways that antibiotics have become built into daily life. Wider issues, which may be invisible without explication through ethnographic approaches, need to be considered when addressing antibiotic use. Adopting the complementary vantage points of practices, networks and structures can support the diversification of our responses to AMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- A C Tompson
- Department of Global Health & Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 15–17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - L Manderson
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, 27 St Andrews Road, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - C I R Chandler
- Department of Global Health & Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 15–17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, UK
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18
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Samir N, Hassan MZ, Biswas MAAJ, Chowdhury F, Akhtar Z, Lingam R, Banu S, Homaira N. Antibiotic Use for Febrile Illness among Under-5 Children in Bangladesh: A Nationally Representative Sample Survey. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10101153. [PMID: 34680735 PMCID: PMC8532897 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10101153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Fever in children under five years of age is a common and predominantly self-limiting sign of illness. However, in low- and middle-income countries, antibiotics are frequently used in febrile children, although these children may not benefit from antibiotics. In this study, we explored the prevalence of, and factors associated with, antibiotic use in children under five years old with febrile illness in Bangladesh. We analysed data from the 2017–2018 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey to determine the prevalence of antibiotic use in children under five years of age with a febrile illness. We used a causal graph and performed a multivariable logistical regression to identify the factors associated with antibiotic use in children under five years old with febrile illness in Bangladesh. Of the 2784 children aged less than five years with fever included in our analysis, 478 (17%, 95% CI 15% to 19%) received antibiotics. Unqualified sources, including unqualified providers and pharmacies, contributed to 60% of antibiotic prescriptions in children with fever, followed by the private medical sector (29%) and the public sector (23%). The highest use of antibiotics was found in children under six months of age (25%). Children with parents who completed secondary or higher education were more likely to receive antibiotics (adjusted OR (aOR): 2.61 (95% CI 1.63 to 4.16)) than children whose parents did not complete primary education. Educational interventions promoting rational use of antibiotics and improved regulations governing over the counter purchase of antibiotics in Bangladesh may improve antibiotic dispensing practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Samir
- Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Women’s and Children’s Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney 2031, Australia; (N.S.); (R.L.); (N.H.)
| | - Md. Zakiul Hassan
- Programme for Emerging Infections, Infectious Disease Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (M.A.A.J.B.); (F.C.); (Z.A.); (S.B.)
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Md. Abdullah Al Jubayer Biswas
- Programme for Emerging Infections, Infectious Disease Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (M.A.A.J.B.); (F.C.); (Z.A.); (S.B.)
| | - Fahmida Chowdhury
- Programme for Emerging Infections, Infectious Disease Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (M.A.A.J.B.); (F.C.); (Z.A.); (S.B.)
| | - Zubair Akhtar
- Programme for Emerging Infections, Infectious Disease Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (M.A.A.J.B.); (F.C.); (Z.A.); (S.B.)
| | - Raghu Lingam
- Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Women’s and Children’s Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney 2031, Australia; (N.S.); (R.L.); (N.H.)
| | - Sayera Banu
- Programme for Emerging Infections, Infectious Disease Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (M.A.A.J.B.); (F.C.); (Z.A.); (S.B.)
| | - Nusrat Homaira
- Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Women’s and Children’s Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney 2031, Australia; (N.S.); (R.L.); (N.H.)
- Respiratory Department, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Sydney 2031, Australia
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Akhtar Z, Mah-E-Muneer S, Rashid MM, Ahmed MS, Islam MA, Chowdhury S, Khan Z, Hassan MZ, Islam K, Parveen S, Debnath N, Rahman M, Chowdhury F. Antibiotics Use and Its Knowledge in the Community: A Mobile Phone Survey during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Bangladesh. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:1052. [PMID: 34572634 PMCID: PMC8469517 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10091052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The general population has been excessively using antibiotics during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the use of antibiotics for any reported illnesses in the preceding four weeks and knowledge of antibiotics among the general population in the community were assessed for possible interventions. A mobile phone survey among a general population across eight administrative divisions of Bangladesh was conducted during January-March 2021. Reported illness episodes irrespective of COVID-19 in the preceding four weeks of the interview, use of antibiotics for the illnesses, and knowledge on antibiotics among the general population were recorded. Descriptive analyses were performed. We randomly interviewed 1854 participants, with a mean age of 28.5 years (range: 18-75 years); 60.6% were male. Among all participants, 86.3% (95% CI: 84.7-87.8) heard names of antibiotics, but only 12.1% reported unspecified harmful effects, and 3.5% reported antimicrobial resistance when antibiotics were taken without a physician's prescription. Among 257 (13.9%) participants, who consumed medicines for their recent illness episode, 32.7% (95% CI: 27.2-38.6) reported using antibiotics. Of those who could recall the names of antibiotics prescribed (n = 36), the most frequently used was azithromycin (22.2%) followed by cefixime (11.1%) and ciprofloxacin (5.6%). Our findings show an increased antibiotic use for illnesses reported in the preceding four weeks and an elevated knowledge at the community level during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with the pre-pandemic period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zubair Akhtar
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (S.M.-E.-M.); (M.M.R.); (M.S.A.); (M.A.I.); (S.C.); (M.Z.H.); (S.P.); (M.R.); (F.C.)
| | - Syeda Mah-E-Muneer
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (S.M.-E.-M.); (M.M.R.); (M.S.A.); (M.A.I.); (S.C.); (M.Z.H.); (S.P.); (M.R.); (F.C.)
| | - Md. Mahbubur Rashid
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (S.M.-E.-M.); (M.M.R.); (M.S.A.); (M.A.I.); (S.C.); (M.Z.H.); (S.P.); (M.R.); (F.C.)
| | - Md. Shakil Ahmed
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (S.M.-E.-M.); (M.M.R.); (M.S.A.); (M.A.I.); (S.C.); (M.Z.H.); (S.P.); (M.R.); (F.C.)
| | - Md. Ariful Islam
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (S.M.-E.-M.); (M.M.R.); (M.S.A.); (M.A.I.); (S.C.); (M.Z.H.); (S.P.); (M.R.); (F.C.)
| | - Sukanta Chowdhury
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (S.M.-E.-M.); (M.M.R.); (M.S.A.); (M.A.I.); (S.C.); (M.Z.H.); (S.P.); (M.R.); (F.C.)
| | - Zobaid Khan
- Fleming Fund Country Grant to Bangladesh, DAI Global, LLC, House 3, First Floor, Road 23B, Gulshan 1, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (Z.K.); (K.I.); (N.D.)
| | - Md. Zakiul Hassan
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (S.M.-E.-M.); (M.M.R.); (M.S.A.); (M.A.I.); (S.C.); (M.Z.H.); (S.P.); (M.R.); (F.C.)
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 2JD, UK
| | - Khaleda Islam
- Fleming Fund Country Grant to Bangladesh, DAI Global, LLC, House 3, First Floor, Road 23B, Gulshan 1, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (Z.K.); (K.I.); (N.D.)
| | - Shahana Parveen
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (S.M.-E.-M.); (M.M.R.); (M.S.A.); (M.A.I.); (S.C.); (M.Z.H.); (S.P.); (M.R.); (F.C.)
| | - Nitish Debnath
- Fleming Fund Country Grant to Bangladesh, DAI Global, LLC, House 3, First Floor, Road 23B, Gulshan 1, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (Z.K.); (K.I.); (N.D.)
| | - Mahmudur Rahman
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (S.M.-E.-M.); (M.M.R.); (M.S.A.); (M.A.I.); (S.C.); (M.Z.H.); (S.P.); (M.R.); (F.C.)
- Global Health Development, EMPHNET, 69 Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Fahmida Chowdhury
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (S.M.-E.-M.); (M.M.R.); (M.S.A.); (M.A.I.); (S.C.); (M.Z.H.); (S.P.); (M.R.); (F.C.)
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20
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Unicomb LE, Nizame FA, Uddin MR, Nahar P, Lucas PJ, Khisa N, Akter SMS, Islam MA, Rahman M, Rousham EK. Motivating antibiotic stewardship in Bangladesh: identifying audiences and target behaviours using the behaviour change wheel. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:968. [PMID: 34022819 PMCID: PMC8140425 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10973-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND South Asia is a hotspot for antimicrobial resistance due largely to over-the-counter antibiotic sales for humans and animals and from a lack of policy compliance among healthcare providers. Additionally, there is high population density and high infectious disease burden. This paper describes the development of social and behavioural change communication (SBCC) to increase the appropriate use of antibiotics. METHODS We used formative research to explore contextual drivers of antibiotic sales, purchase, consumption/use and promotion among four groups: 1) households, 2) drug shop staff, 3) registered physicians and 4) pharmaceutical companies/medical sales representatives. We used formative research findings and an intervention design workshop with stakeholders to select target behaviours, prioritise audiences and develop SBCC messages, in consultation with a creative agency, and through pilots and feedback. The behaviour change wheel was used to summarise findings. RESULTS Workshop participants identified behaviours considered amenable to change for all four groups. Household members and drug shop staff were prioritised as target audiences, both of which could be reached at drug shops. Among household members, there were two behaviours to change: suboptimal health seeking and ceasing antibiotic courses early. Thus, SBCC target behaviours included: seek registered physician consultations; ask whether the medicine provided is an antibiotic; ask for instructions on use and timing. Among drug shop staff, important antibiotic dispensing practices needed to change. SBCC target behaviours included: asking customers for prescriptions, referring them to registered physicians and increasing customer awareness by instructing that they were receiving antibiotics to take as a full course. CONCLUSIONS We prioritised drug shops for intervention delivery to all drug shop staff and their customers to improve antibiotic stewardship. Knowledge deficits among these groups were notable and considered amenable to change using a SBCC intervention addressing improved health seeking behaviours, improved health literacy on antibiotic use, and provision of information on policy governing shops. Further intervention refinement should consider using participatory methods and address the impact on profit and livelihoods for drug shop staff for optimal compliance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leanne E Unicomb
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh.
| | - Fosiul Alam Nizame
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Rofi Uddin
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Papreen Nahar
- Department of Global Health and Infection, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Sussex University, Brighton, UK
| | | | - Nirnita Khisa
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - S M Salim Akter
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Aminul Islam
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Mahbubur Rahman
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Emily K Rousham
- Centre for Global Health and Human Development, School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
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21
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Chapot L, Sarker MS, Begum R, Hossain D, Akter R, Hasan MM, Bupasha ZB, Bayzid M, Salauddin M, Parvej MS, Uddin AHMM, Hoque F, Chowdhury J, Ullah MN, Rahman MK, Siddiky NA, Fournié G, Samad MA. Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding Antibiotic Use and Resistance among Veterinary Students in Bangladesh. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:332. [PMID: 33809932 PMCID: PMC8004205 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10030332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of antibiotics in animals for both therapeutic and non-therapeutic purposes is a major driver of the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). While several studies have investigated prescription and consumption patterns in humans, little attention has been paid to the veterinary sector. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 3002 veterinary students (VS) and non-medical students (NMS) from 12 universities in Bangladesh to explore their knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) about antibiotics and AMR using a self-administered questionnaire, and assess the influence of the veterinary curriculum. KAP regarding antibiotic use and AMR was significantly higher in veterinary than non-medical students, and in first-year than final-year students. However, gaps in knowledge and practices were highlighted, suggesting deficiencies in training. Moreover, final-year veterinary students were found to be more likely than first-year students to use antibiotics without instructions, which could indicate deficiencies in their curriculum. Although the study suggested a positive impact of the veterinary curriculum on KAP about antibiotics and AMR in Bangladesh, critical gaps remain that are likely to contribute to inadequate use in their future practice. Therefore, there is scope for improving educational programs on AMR in professional curricula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorraine Chapot
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London NW1 0TU, UK; (L.C.); (G.F.)
| | - Md Samun Sarker
- Antimicrobial Resistance Action Center (ARAC), Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI), Dhaka 1341, Bangladesh; (M.S.S.); (R.B.); (N.A.S.)
| | - Ruhena Begum
- Antimicrobial Resistance Action Center (ARAC), Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI), Dhaka 1341, Bangladesh; (M.S.S.); (R.B.); (N.A.S.)
| | - Delower Hossain
- Department of Medicine and Public Health, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh;
| | - Rahima Akter
- Department of Pharmacy, World University of Bangladesh, Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh;
| | - Md Mehedi Hasan
- Department of Medicine, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh;
| | - Zamila Bueaza Bupasha
- Department of Microbiology and Veterinary Public Health, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram 4225, Bangladesh;
| | - Md Bayzid
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram 4225, Bangladesh;
| | - Md Salauddin
- Department of Microbiology, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur 5200, Bangladesh;
| | | | - AHM Musleh Uddin
- Department of Surgery and Theriogenology, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh;
| | - Fazlul Hoque
- Veterinary Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur 1706, Bangladesh;
| | - Joya Chowdhury
- Gono Bishwabidyalay, Dhaka 1344, Bangladesh; (M.S.P.); (J.C.)
| | - Md Niyamat Ullah
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh;
| | | | - Nure Alam Siddiky
- Antimicrobial Resistance Action Center (ARAC), Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI), Dhaka 1341, Bangladesh; (M.S.S.); (R.B.); (N.A.S.)
| | - Guillaume Fournié
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London NW1 0TU, UK; (L.C.); (G.F.)
| | - Mohammed A. Samad
- Antimicrobial Resistance Action Center (ARAC), Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI), Dhaka 1341, Bangladesh; (M.S.S.); (R.B.); (N.A.S.)
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22
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Hicks JP, Latham SM, Huque R, Das M, Newell J, Abdullah SM, Al Azdi Z, Jahan I, Rassi C, Hamade P, Shafique M, Islam MS, King R. Antibiotic practices among household members and their domestic animals within rural communities in Cumilla district, Bangladesh: a cross-sectional survey. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:406. [PMID: 33632193 PMCID: PMC7908663 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10457-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Antibiotic resistance is a global threat to human health, and inappropriate use of antibiotics in humans and animals is widely considered to be a key driver of antibiotic resistant infections. Antibiotic use in humans and animals is growing rapidly in low- and, particularly, middle-income countries. However, there is little detailed understanding about practices related to the use of antibiotics in humans and animals within community settings in such countries. Here we aimed to understand the antibiotic practices of rural households across Cumilla district, Bangladesh, in relation to household members and their domestic animals. Methods In 2018 we conducted a cross-sectional survey using representative cluster sampling methods. We collected self-reported information from 682 female and 620 male household heads, with women also asked about their children’s antibiotic practices. Results Only 48% (95% CI: 40, 56%) of women and men had heard of antibiotics, and among those women and men who were aware of antibiotics and the children of those women 70% (95% CI: 64, 76%) reported having previously taken antibiotics, while among these individuals who reported previously taking antibiotics 21% (95% CI: 18, 25%) said they had done so most recently within the last month. Risky/inappropriate antibiotic practices in humans and animals were often reported. For example, among women and men who were aware of antibiotics and the children of those women 52% (95% CI: 40, 63%) reported previously taking antibiotics for a “cough/cold”, despite antibiotics being typically inappropriate for use against viral upper respiratory tract infections. Among poultry-owning respondents who were aware of antibiotics 11% (95% CI: 8, 15%) reported previously giving healthy poultry antibiotics, mainly for growth/prophylaxis, while among cattle-owning respondents who were aware of antibiotics and reported previously giving their cattle feed 20% (95% CI: 9, 37%) said the feed had contained antibiotics at least sometimes. Conclusions Our results highlight the need for context-adapted interventions at both the community level and the health systems level to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use among humans and domestic animals in rural Bangladesh. Successfully reducing inappropriate use of antibiotics among humans and animals is a required and critical step in tackling antimicrobial resistance. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-10457-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Paul Hicks
- Nuffield Centre for International Health and Development, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
| | - Sophia M Latham
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, Cheshire, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Rumana Huque
- ARK Foundation, Suite C-3 & C-4, House # 06, Road # 109, Gulshan-2, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh.,Department of Economics, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Mahua Das
- Nuffield Centre for International Health and Development, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Jane Newell
- University of Liverpool Medical School, Cedar House, Ashton St, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - S M Abdullah
- ARK Foundation, Suite C-3 & C-4, House # 06, Road # 109, Gulshan-2, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh.,Department of Economics, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Zunayed Al Azdi
- ARK Foundation, Suite C-3 & C-4, House # 06, Road # 109, Gulshan-2, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Ishrat Jahan
- ARK Foundation, Suite C-3 & C-4, House # 06, Road # 109, Gulshan-2, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Christian Rassi
- Malaria Consortium, The Green House, 244-254 Cambridge Heath Road, London, E2 9DA, UK
| | - Prudence Hamade
- Malaria Consortium, The Green House, 244-254 Cambridge Heath Road, London, E2 9DA, UK
| | - Muhammad Shafique
- Malaria Consortium, The Green House, 244-254 Cambridge Heath Road, London, E2 9DA, UK
| | - Mohammad Saiful Islam
- Faculty of Surgery and Professor of Paediatric Surgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Rebecca King
- Nuffield Centre for International Health and Development, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
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23
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Marzan M, Islam DZ, Lugova H, Krishnapillai A, Haque M, Islam S. Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Antimicrobial Uses and Resistance Among Public University Students in Bangladesh. Infect Drug Resist 2021; 14:519-533. [PMID: 33603416 PMCID: PMC7886243 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s289964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Antibiotics are lifesaving drugs, and inappropriate uses lead to the resistance that renders them ineffective. This study aims to understand knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) concerning antibiotic use and resistance among university students in Bangladesh. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed from January to April 2020 among students at Jahangirnagar University (JU), Bangladesh. Purposive sampling was conducted through an in-person interview using a structured questionnaire. Students from the faculties of biological sciences and non-biology background were included. The univariate ordinal regression technique was used to analyze the relationship between predictors and good knowledge about the antibiotics. A two-tailed p-value was calculated to determine statistical association. Results Out of 205 study participants, 92 and 113 responders were from biological science faculty and non-biology disciplines, respectively. Less than half of the students (42.4%) showed a good knowledge level (scores higher than 80%). Biology-background students possess better knowledge than non-biology students [odds ratio (OR) = 4.44, 95% confidence level (CL) (2.56, 7.70), p < 0.001]. A better attitude was noticed among all students. The self-medication rate was quite low, and more than 90% of students were found to consume antibiotics according to the physician’s prescription. Lack of treatment adherence was recorded, and students admitted to stop-taking antibiotics when symptoms disappeared (48.67% biology and 36.26% non-biology). Multivariate regression analysis was unable to detect any significant association between self-medication and gender, student category or the level of knowledge about antibiotics. Conclusion Students of biological science background possessed better knowledge indicating the importance of appropriate curriculum imparted in knowledge buildup. Introducing a short course about the risk and development of antibiotic resistance will grow the students’ awareness to avoid the resistance phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahfuza Marzan
- Department of Microbiology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, 1342, Bangladesh
| | - Dewan Zubaer Islam
- Department of Microbiology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, 1342, Bangladesh
| | - Halyna Lugova
- The Unit of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Defence Health, National Defence University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, 57000, Malaysia
| | - Ambigga Krishnapillai
- The Unit of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Defence Health, National Defence University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, 57000, Malaysia
| | - Mainul Haque
- The Unit of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Defence Health, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (National Defence University of Malaysia), Kuala Lumpur, 57000, Malaysia
| | - Salequl Islam
- Department of Microbiology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, 1342, Bangladesh
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Knowledge of pharmacy workers on antihypertensive and anticonvulsant drugs for managing pre-eclampsia and eclampsia in Bangladesh. BMC Health Serv Res 2020; 20:838. [PMID: 32894121 PMCID: PMC7487640 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-05685-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pharmacy workers in Bangladesh play an important role in managing pregnancy complications by dispensing, counselling and selling drugs to pregnant women and their families. This study examined pharmacy workers' drug knowledge and practice for pre-eclampsia and eclampsia (PE/E) management, including antihypertensives and anticonvulsants, and determine factors associated with their knowledge. METHODS A cross-sectional survey with 382 pharmacy workers in public facilities (government) and private pharmacies and drug stores assessed their knowledge of antihypertensive and anticonvulsant drugs. 'Pharmacy workers' include personnel who work at pharmacies, pharmacists, family welfare visitors (FWVs), sub-assistant community medical officers (SACMOs), drug storekeepers. Exploratory and multivariate logistic models were used to describe association between knowledge of medicines used in pregnancy and demographic characteristics of pharmacy workers. RESULTS Overall, 53% pharmacy workers interviewed were drug store owners in private pharmacies while 27% FWVs/SACMOs, who are government service providers also work as drug prescribers and/or dispensers in public facility pharmacies. Majority of pharmacy workers had poor knowledge compared to correct knowledge on both antihypertensive (77.8% vs 22.3%; p < 0.001) and anticonvulsant drugs (MgSO4) (82.2% vs 17.8%; p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed SACMOs and FWVs were greater than 4 times more likely to have correct knowledge on anti-hypertensives (AOR = 4.2, 95% CI:1.3-12.3, P < 0.01) and anticonvulsant drugs (AOR = 4.9, 95% CI:1.3-18.1, P < 0.01) compared to pharmacists. Pharmacy workers who had received training were more likely to have correct knowledge on antihypertensive and anticonvulsant drugs than those who had no training. CONCLUSIONS Pharmacy workers' knowledge and understanding of antihypertensive and anticonvulsant drugs, particularly for prevention and management of PE/E is limited in Bangladesh. Most pharmacies surveyed are private and staffed with unskilled workers with no formal training on drugs. Expansion of maternal and newborn health programs should consider providing additional skills training to pharmacy workers, as well as regulating these medicines at informal pharmacies to mitigate any harmful practices or adverse outcomes of unauthorized and incorrectly prescribed and used drugs. It is important that correct messaging and medicines are available as drug stores are often the first point of contact for most of the women and their families.
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Nahar P, Unicomb L, Lucas PJ, Uddin MR, Islam MA, Nizame FA, Khisa N, Akter SMS, Rousham EK. What contributes to inappropriate antibiotic dispensing among qualified and unqualified healthcare providers in Bangladesh? A qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2020; 20:656. [PMID: 32669092 PMCID: PMC7362537 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-05512-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Over-prescribing and inappropriate use of antibiotics contributes to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Few studies in low and middle-income settings have employed qualitative approaches to examine the drivers of antibiotic sale and dispensing across the full range of healthcare providers (HCPs). We aimed to explore understandings of the use and functions of antibiotics; awareness of AMR and perceived patient or customer demand and adherence among HCPs for human and animal medicine in Bangladesh. Methods We used an ethnographic approach to conduct face-to-face, in-depth interviews with 46 community HCPs in one urban and one rural area (Gazipur and Mirzapur districts respectively). We purposefully selected participants from four categories of provider in human and veterinary medicine: qualified; semi-qualified; auxiliary and unqualified. Using a grounded theory approach, thematic analysis was conducted using a framework method. Results Antibiotics were considered a medicine of power that gives quick results and works against almost all diseases, including viruses. The price of antibiotics was equated with power such that expensive antibiotics were considered the most powerful medicines. Antibiotics were also seen as preventative medicines. While some providers were well informed about antibiotic resistance and its causes, others were completely unaware. Many providers mistook antibiotic resistance as the side effects of antibiotics, both in human and animal medicine. Despite varied knowledge, providers showed concern about antibiotic resistance but responsibility for inappropriate antibiotic use was shifted to the patients and clients including owners of livestock and animals. Conclusions Misconceptions and misinformation led to a wide range of inappropriate uses of antibiotics across the different categories of human and animal healthcare providers. Low awareness of antibiotic action and antibiotic resistance were apparent among healthcare providers, particularly those with little or no training and those in rural areas. Specific and targeted interventions to address AMR in Bangladesh should include educational messages on the rational use of antibiotics and how they work, targeting all types of healthcare providers. While tailored training for providers may increase understanding of antibiotic action and improve practices, more far-reaching structural changes are required to influence and increase responsibility for optimising antibiotic dispensing among all HCPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Papreen Nahar
- Department of Global Health and Infection, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK.
| | - Leanne Unicomb
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, (icddr, b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Mohammad Rofi Uddin
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, (icddr, b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Aminul Islam
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Fosiul Alam Nizame
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, (icddr, b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Nirnita Khisa
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, (icddr, b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - S M Salim Akter
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, (icddr, b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Emily K Rousham
- Centre for Global Health and Human Development, School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University
- , Loughborough, UK.
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Chowdhury M, Stewart Williams J, Wertheim H, Khan WA, Matin A, Kinsman J. Rural community perceptions of antibiotic access and understanding of antimicrobial resistance: qualitative evidence from the Health and Demographic Surveillance System site in Matlab, Bangladesh. Glob Health Action 2019; 12:1824383. [PMID: 33040695 PMCID: PMC7580843 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2020.1824383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of large quantities of antimicrobial drugs for human health and agriculture is advancing the predominance of drug resistant pathogens in the environment. Antimicrobial resistance is now a major public health threat posing significant challenges for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. In Bangladesh, where over one third of the population is below the poverty line, the achievement of safe and effective antibiotic medication use for human health is challenging. OBJECTIVE To explore factors and practices around access and use of antibiotics and understanding of antimicrobial resistance in rural communities in Bangladesh from a socio-cultural perspective. METHODS This qualitative study comprises the second phase of the multi-country ABACUS (Antibiotic Access and Use) project in Matlab, Bangladesh. Information was collected through six focus group discussions and 16 in-depth interviews. Informants were selected from ten villages in four geographic locations using the Health and Demographic Surveillance System database. The Access to Healthcare Framework guided the interpretation and framing of the findings in terms of individuals' abilities to: perceive, seek, reach, pay and engage with healthcare. RESULTS Village pharmacies were the preferred and trusted source of antibiotics for self-treatment. Cultural and religious beliefs informed the use of herbal and other complementary medicines. Advice on antibiotic use was also sourced from trusted friends and family members. Access to government-run facilities required travel on poorly maintained roads. Reports of structural corruption, stock-outs and patient safety risks eroded trust in the public sector. Some expressed a willingness to learn about antibiotic resistance. CONCLUSION Antimicrobial resistance is both a health and development issue. Social and economic contexts shape medicine seeking, use and behaviours. Multi-sectoral action is needed to confront the underlying social, economic, cultural and political drivers that impact on the access and use of antibiotic medicines in Bangladesh.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moyukh Chowdhury
- Outcomes Research Department, Reveal AB, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jennifer Stewart Williams
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Research Centre for Generational Health and Ageing, Faculty of Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Heiman Wertheim
- Clinical Research Unit, Oxford University, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Radboud Centre for Infectious Disease, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Wasif Ali Khan
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Enteric and Respiratory Infections Infectious Diseases Division, 68, Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sharani, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Abdul Matin
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Enteric and Respiratory Infections Infectious Diseases Division, 68, Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sharani, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - John Kinsman
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Global Health (IHCAR), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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