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Insights into antimicrobial resistance awareness among Sri Lankan medical practitioners: a qualitative study
Shobha Sanjeewani Gunathilaka1, Charuni Wickramasooriya2, Shameen Jayasingha3
1Department of Microbiology, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Saliyapura, Sri Lanka ssgunathilake@med.rjt.ac.lk.
Objectives:
The objective of this study was to explore medical practitioners' understanding of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and its aspects, such as its causes, possible outcomes and how doctors can contribute to its prevention.
Design And Setting:
This qualitative study was conducted in Sri Lankan healthcare settings.
Participants:
Using convenience sampling, the study included allopathic medical practitioners aged 18-60 years, excluding intern-medical officers, until data saturation.
Intervention:
One-on-one interviews were conducted online or in person, depending on each participant's preference. A structured questionnaire was used to triangulate the information.
Results:
Data were categorised into four: (1) understanding, awareness and identifying AMR as an issue among medical practitioners, (2) knowledge and understanding of factors that contribute to AMR development among medical practitioners, (3) knowledge and understanding of the outcome of AMR and (4) knowledge and understanding of preventive measures against AMR among medical officers. Interviewees showed an awareness of AMR; however, their knowledge was not up to date. Key reasons for inappropriate antibiotic use included unavailability and poor quality of antibiotics and unawareness of updated guidelines, especially in the government sector. In the private sector, patient pressure, the need to attract patients and the high cost of investigations contributed to misuse. Additionally, low patient literacy about AMR was a significant factor.
Conclusion:
This study revealed that although medical practitioners in Sri Lanka are aware of AMR, their knowledge remains limited in certain areas. Several challenges contributed to inappropriate antibiotic use, including the availability and quality of antibiotics, external pressures from patients and financial constraints. The findings of this study highlight the urgent need for continuous medical education and public awareness campaigns to improve both practitioner and patient understanding of AMR. Addressing these issues is essential for effectively preventing and managing AMR in healthcare settings in Sri Lanka.
Insights
Medical practitioners in Sri Lanka are aware of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) but lack up-to-date knowledge. Addressing challenges like antibiotic availability and patient pressure is crucial for effective AMR prevention.
Area of Science:
- Medical Science
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global health threat.
- Understanding healthcare professionals' perspectives is vital for developing effective AMR control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore medical practitioners' understanding of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
- To identify knowledge gaps regarding AMR causes, outcomes, and prevention.
- To investigate factors influencing appropriate antibiotic use among Sri Lankan doctors.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study conducted in Sri Lankan healthcare settings.
- Convenience sampling of 18-60-year-old allopathic medical practitioners.
- One-on-one interviews (online/in-person) and structured questionnaires were utilized.
Main Results:
- Practitioners demonstrated awareness of AMR but possessed outdated knowledge.
- Inappropriate antibiotic use was linked to antibiotic unavailability/quality, lack of updated guidelines, patient pressure, and financial constraints.
- Low patient literacy regarding AMR was identified as a significant contributing factor.
Conclusions:
- Medical practitioners in Sri Lanka have a partial understanding of AMR, necessitating further education.
- Addressing challenges in antibiotic supply, quality, and patient-provider dynamics is essential.
- Continuous medical education and public awareness campaigns are critical for AMR management.
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