CLINICAL AND BEHAVIORAL PRACTICES OF PRIMARY HEALTHCARE PHYSICIANS IN ANTIBIOTICS PRESCRIBING IN GREECE

Area of Science:

• Medical Science
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health threat.
• Appropriate antibiotic prescribing in primary care is crucial for combating resistance.
• Physician prescribing practices significantly influence antibiotic use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess clinical and behavioral antibiotic administration practices among primary health physicians.
• To identify factors influencing antibiotic prescribing in the Peloponnese Region, Greece.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study utilizing questionnaires.
• Data collected from primary healthcare physicians in the Peloponnese Region.
• Study conducted between May and October 2020.

Main Results:

• A 75.8% response rate from 306 physicians.
• Most physicians empirically prescribe antibiotics for common conditions, except for respiratory infections.
• Over 66% reported no diagnostic uncertainty influencing prescription decisions.
• Nearly 40% noted increased antibiotic demand, though most were unaffected.
• Over 50% preferred prescribing branded antibiotics.

Conclusions:

• Physician prescribing practices vary and are influenced by multiple factors.
• Findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to optimize antibiotic use.
• Recommendations include implementing diagnostic tests, guidelines, and protocols to modify prescribing behavior.