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Antibiotic prescribing practices and perceptions on antimicrobial resistance among healthcare practitioners in Russia
M M Fedotova1, V P Chigrina2, A V Shirinskaya3
1Federal State Budget Educational Institution of Higher Education, Siberian State Medical University, Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Moskovsky tract, 2, Russian Federation Tomsk, 634050, Russia.
Objectives:
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health threat. The misuse of antibiotics is the main factor contributing to the development of AMR. Healthcare practitioners (HCPs) play a crucial role in the use of antibiotics. There are limited data available on antibiotic prescribing patterns among physicians in Russia. The aim of this study was to explore antibiotic prescribing practices and perceptions of AMR among HCPs in the Russian Federation.
Study Design:
A cross-sectional, multi-centre study was used.
Methods:
A survey using an online questionnaire was conducted among HCPs. A qualitative study was conducted before the questionnaire was developed. The online questionnaire was distributed via email addresses obtained from the Consilium Medicum database, a specialised educational resource for healthcare professionals in Russia.
Results:
In total, 746 HCPs from 74 regions of the Russian Federation were included in the study. Physicians who participated in this study did not frequently prescribe antibiotic drugs: 40.6% of participants recommended antibiotics less than five times per week. Gynaecologists, paediatricians, family doctors, and surgeons were the least likely study participants to prescribe antibiotics, whereas clinical pharmacologists, otolaryngologists, urologists, and infectious disease specialists prescribed antibiotics more often. Amoxicillin and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid were the most frequently prescribed antimicrobials. The majority of HCPs in Russia who took part in this survey reported relying on national guidelines for information on antibiotic prescribing. Only 67.8% of study participants perceived AMR as a challenge for their practice.
Conclusions:
Health authorities should regularly provide up-to-date reliable information on AMR in the region. Antimicrobial stewardship programmes are important for specialised medical professionals, such as urologists, gynaecologists, and otolaryngologists, since they are responsible for prescribing second-line antibiotics, which carries with it a greater responsibility.
Insights
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major health concern. This study reveals that most Russian healthcare practitioners (HCPs) prescribe antibiotics infrequently, with specialists like urologists prescribing more often, highlighting the need for targeted stewardship programs.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global health threat, primarily driven by antibiotic misuse.
- Healthcare practitioners (HCPs) are central to antibiotic prescribing practices.
- Limited data exists on physician prescribing patterns and AMR perceptions in Russia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate antibiotic prescribing practices among HCPs in the Russian Federation.
- To assess HCPs' perceptions regarding the challenge of AMR.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional, multi-center study utilizing an online questionnaire.
- A preceding qualitative study informed questionnaire development.
- Distribution of the online survey to HCPs via email from the Consilium Medicum database.
Main Results:
- 746 HCPs from 74 Russian regions participated.
- 40.6% of physicians prescribed antibiotics less than five times weekly; specialists like urologists and infectious disease specialists prescribed more frequently.
- Amoxicillin and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid were the most common antibiotics prescribed. Only 67.8% of HCPs viewed AMR as a practice challenge.
Conclusions:
- Regular dissemination of updated AMR information by health authorities is crucial for the region.
- Antimicrobial stewardship programs are vital for specialists (e.g., urologists, gynecologists, otolaryngologists) who prescribe second-line antibiotics, given their increased responsibility.
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