Antibiotic prescription practices and knowledge of its rational use among medical personnel in areas of Vidarbha: Are we equipped enough for rational use of medicines?

BACKGROUND

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a worldwide issue encompassing a huge threat to medical pharmacology. Understanding the awareness and behavior on prudent use of antimicrobials is of utmost importance. Prescribing an antibiotic is a comprehensive process regulated by many parameters, including medical and paramedical staff, health care system, supplementary healthcare sources, patients, and the general population. An insufficient attitude, perception, comprehension, and transparency about the judicial use of antimicrobials and the increasing development of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms conclude a significant barrier to the use of antimicrobial resistance.

METHODOLOGY

The questionnaire was prepared to assess demographic details, awareness about microbial resistance, prescribing behavior, guidelines and sources of information, etc. The validated questionnaire was given to the participants at their convenience as paper-based or Google form. Quantitative data were summarized using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

In India, there is a higher prevalence of antimicrobial resistance and incidences of practicing the use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials. A great difference in antibiotic prescribing patterns exists with connecting the various parameters such as locality, qualifications, and professions.

CONCLUSION

To restrain the fact of antimicrobial resistance, both preventive and restrictive measures are to be taken. It should highlight the gross reduction of antibiotic prescribing behavior and its prudent use by regulating the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, drug dosages, and the World Health Organization AWaRe (Access, Watch, Reserve) antibiotics.