Knowledge, attitudes and practices survey on antimicrobial resistance and stewardship among pharmacy healthcare workers in 28 African countries

Bibliographic Data

ID21881204
AuthorsOluoma Agiri (District of Columbia Department of Health), Gilbert Osena (0000-0003-4998-7224, District of Columbia Department of Health), Felix Bahati (0000-0003-3406-024X, District of Columbia Department of Health), D B Dill (District of Columbia Department of Health), Delaney Dill (One Health Trust, Washington DC, District of Columbia, USA), Erta Kalanxhi (0000-0002-3614-6058, District of Columbia Department of Health), Diane Ashiru‐Oredope (0000-0001-9579-2028, Foreign and Commonwealth Office), Diane Ashiru-Oredope (Commonwealth Pharmacists Association, London, England, UK), Yewande Habibat Alimi (Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention)
Year2025
Volume10
Issue10
Pagese019151
Publication date2025-10-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueBMJ Global Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2059-7908 • E-ISSN: 2059-7908
PublisherBMJ (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1136/bmjgh-2025-019151
PMID41130744
OpenAlexW4415464045
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited32

INTRODUCTION: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a pressing global health problem disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries. Inappropriate antimicrobial prescription and use exacerbate AMR. This study assesses the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) toward AMR and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) among pharmacy healthcare workers involved in antimicrobial dispensing across 28 African countries. METHODS: An online survey was distributed to collect data on KAP from HCWs who dispense antimicrobials in African countries. Responses were scored, and a 70% cut-off mark was used to differentiate between good and poor KAP. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with good or poor KAPs. RESULTS: A total of 2567 responses (40%) were received, of which 908 were from pharmacy HCWs who dispensed antibiotics in 28 countries. Of the 908 eligible respondents, 71.3% had good knowledge of AMR and AMS, 59.9% displayed good attitudes towards the burden of AMR and appropriate prescription of antimicrobials and 41.6% displayed good practices related to AMS. Patient demands and influence from pharmaceutical companies were among the factors that influenced the dispensing of antibiotics. In multivariable logistic regression, licensed pharmacists were more likely to have good knowledge of AMR than pharmacy technicians (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.78; 95% CI 1.64 to 1.93). Male dispensers were less likely to have a positive attitude towards AMR than female dispensers (aOR 0.69, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.94). Moreover, dispensers affiliated with public health facilities demonstrated better AMR practices than those affiliated with private facilities. Overall, good AMR knowledge status was significantly associated with positive attitudes (χ2=97.1, p<0.001) and practices (χ2=6.5, p<0.05) of AMR. CONCLUSION: This study revealed limited understanding of AMR among dispensers without formal pharmaceutical training and a positive association between good knowledge and positive attitudes and practices. The findings underscore the importance of providing workplace educational materials on AMR and AMS to build capacity in healthcare institutions and promote proper antibiotic dispensing

Antibiotic resistance · Antimicrobial stewardship · Clinical pharmacy · Health care · Pharmacy practice · Antibiotic Use and Resistance · Pharmaceutical and Antibiotic Environmental Impacts · Pharmaceutical Practices and Patient Outcomes · Pharmacy

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