File(s) not publicly available
Factors influencing the inappropriate use of antibiotics in the Rupandehi district of Nepal
journal contribution
posted on 2023-02-20, 04:24 authored by A Nepal, D Hendrie, LA Selvey, Suzanne RobinsonSuzanne RobinsonIntroduction: Antimicrobial resistance is a global public health crisis. A major driver of resistance is inappropriate antibiotic use, resulting from practices of prescribers, dispensers and patients. The purpose of this study was to identify the perception of service providers and policymakers about the inappropriate use of antibiotics in Nepal. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted to explore factors influencing antibiotic use. Participants included 17 service providers and policymakers from the Rupandehi district in Nepal, with a semi-structured interview schedule adopted. Data were analysed using thematic analysis to identify themes relating to the inappropriate use of antibiotics. Results: Inappropriate use of antibiotics was found to result from the interaction of demand and supply factors, together with a weak regulatory environment. Lack of knowledge by consumers and financial constraints resulted in practices such as self-medication and pressure being placed on providers to prescribe or dispense antibiotics. An insufficient choice of antibiotics, and health services not having investigation facilities, was also factors leading to inappropriate use of antibiotics. Additionally, in the private sector, the profit motive arising from incentives provided by pharmaceutical companies contributed to prescribing or dispensing antibiotics inappropriately. Conclusion: Promoting appropriate antibiotic use is critical to reduce the growing public health threat of antibiotic resistance. A multi-faceted approach involving policymakers, providers, and the general public using both educational and regulatory measures is required to address this problem in Nepal, and potentially also in other low-income countries with a similar healthcare system.
History
Journal
International Journal of Health Planning and ManagementVolume
36Pagination
42-59Location
EnglandPublisher DOI
ISSN
0749-6753eISSN
1099-1751Language
EnglishPublication classification
C1.1 Refereed article in a scholarly journalIssue
1Publisher
WILEYUsage metrics
Keywords
Science & TechnologyLife Sciences & BiomedicineHealth Policy & ServicesPublic, Environmental & Occupational HealthHealth Care Sciences & Servicesantibiotic dispensingantibiotic prescribingantibiotic resistanceantibiotic usefactors associated with antibiotics useRESPIRATORY-TRACT INFECTIONSANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCEDEVELOPING-COUNTRIESPRESCRIPTIONATTITUDESREGIONINTERVENTIONSCOMMUNICATIONSURVEILLANCEMEDICATIONAnti-Bacterial AgentsHumansNepalQualitative ResearchSelf MedicationHealth ServicesClinical ResearchInfectious DiseasesAntimicrobial Resistance8.1 Organisation and delivery of services8 Health and social care services researchInfection3 Good Health and Well BeingPublic Health and Health Services not elsewhere classifiedPolicy and Administration not elsewhere classified
Licence
Exports
RefWorks
BibTeX
Ref. manager
Endnote
DataCite
NLM
DC