Rapid antigen detection test (RADT) for pharyngitis diagnosis in children: Public and pharmacist perception

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology and Public Health
• Infectious Disease Diagnostics
• Community Pharmacy Practice

Background:

• Pharyngitis is a common globally self-treated infection, often leading to unnecessary antibiotic use.
• Antibiotic misuse contributes to antimicrobial resistance, a significant public health concern.
• Accurate diagnosis of bacterial pharyngitis is crucial to guide appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate public and community pharmacist acceptance of Rapid Antigen Detection Tests (RADTs) for diagnosing bacterial pharyngitis in children.
• To explore the potential implementation of RADTs in community pharmacies in Saudi Arabia prior to antibiotic dispensing.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative cross-sectional study conducted in October 2017.
• Two self-administered questionnaires targeted the public (aged 21+) via social media and community pharmacists in Jeddah.
• Data collected on public health practices, awareness, and support for RADT use.

Main Results:

• 82.9% of the public reported receiving antibiotics without a prescription, primarily for sore throat symptoms.
• Awareness of RADTs was low (3.77% public, 5% pharmacists), but support for their use was high (93.03% public, 90% pharmacists).
• Key reasons for supporting RADTs included decreasing antibiotic misuse, improving specificity, reducing side effects, and ease of use.

Conclusions:

• Both the public and community pharmacists in Saudi Arabia show strong support for integrating RADTs into pharmacy practice.
• Pharmacists' role in providing point-of-care testing, like RADTs, is a promising strategy for cost-effective and convenient diagnostics.
• Future implementation should focus on pharmacist-led point-of-care testing to combat antibiotic misuse and resistance.