Research

A pilot study on knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of antibiotic utilization among healthcare providers in the private settings (general practitioners and community pharmacists) in Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Introduction

• Private doctors and pharmacists play an important role in safeguarding the correct use of antibiotics among the public, parallel to the government’s effort in educating all parties (Ling et al., 2012; Lim and Teh, 2012).
• The Malaysian Statistic on Medicine 2009 & 2010 reported a 16% increase in the use of antibiotics in 2010 compared to 2009 (Malaysia Ministry of Health, 2014).
• Private clinics contributed to 87% of the total antimicrobials prescribed in primary care ( Rahman et.al, 2016).
• Most Malaysian data represented the public sector. Hence, understanding the perception and practice in handling antibiotics among healthcare providers in the private settings may enhance the necessary action taken to counter antimicrobial resistance (AMR)

Methodology

• 2 sets of validated self-administered questionnaires for general practitioners and community pharmacists were used to obtain data.
• Total number of participant is 25 respectively. The data were interpreted to identify correlations.

Results & Conclusion

• GPs and community pharmacists are well knowledgeable about commonly used antibiotics
• Pharmacists are not as confident as GPs in choosing the right antibiotics. They believe that they require more training on antibiotic utilization
• Pharmacists feel that prescription is compulsory for all antibiotics and stricter enforcement is required in handling irrational use of antibiotics.
• Young GPs (below 35 years) are not as confident as much experienced GPs in handling antibiotic and more vigilant about antimicrobial resistance
• Young pharmacists are aware that antibiotic utilization may combat the threat of antimicrobial resistance.