Antibiotic stewardship in community pharmacy : perceptions and attitudes of pharmacists towards antibiotic dispensing in Pahang

Abstract

The increase of antibiotic resistance has frequently been linked to the unrestrained antibiotic dispensing. A review was conducted to assess the perception and attitudes of community pharmacists towards antibiotic dispensing. The review showed community pharmacists has a proper perception on antibiotic dispensing but bad attitudes and practices. Thus a cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured, validated and pilot-tested questionnaire. A systematic approach was used to recruit community pharmacists who completed a 27-item questionnaire in English language. Forty-five participants completed the questionnaire from sixty-five that were approached. Community pharmacists showed good perception (3.558/5) and attitudes (3.255/5) towards antibiotic dispensing. Knowledge on antimicrobial stewardship has a significant effect on pharmacists’ perceptions (p=0.034) while the number of antibiotic sold per month has significant effect on the attitudes (p=0.047). Patients visiting community pharmacies often asked for penicillin group antibiotics (80%) for cough, sore throat, cold or flu. Despite a few community pharmacists sell antibiotics without prescription, they still show a good perception and attitude towards antibiotic dispensing.