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Navigating Antimicrobial Resistance Insights: An In-Depth Analysis of Healthcare Providers' Knowledge, Attitudes, and
Sidra Shahid1, Aiman Athar2, Shahzeen Farooq2
1Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Pubic Health Cluster, Bahria University, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan.
Abstract:
Antibiotics play a crucial role in the treatment of many complicated problems in clinical medicine, but antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a serious concern threatening to undermine its effectiveness. Precision medicine (PM) which tailors treatment to individual and genetic and lifestyle factors, may offer a novel approach to combat AMR. Yet, little is known about how healthcare providers in Pakistan understand and integrate the concept of precision medicine within their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards AMR. This study aims to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practices of healthcare professionals towards AMR and to explore their perception about precision medicine as a strategy to reduce AMR. A mixed method approach was employed for the study. The knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of healthcare professionals (N = 326) were assessed through a validated questionnaire. SPSS version 26 (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) was employed for descriptive and bivariate analyses to determine KAP score and its association with demographics. Qualitative data were gathered through a focus group discussion and thematic analysis was performed to explore the perception about PM. Results showed that healthcare professionals demonstrate poor knowledge (55.5%), relatively positive attitudes (54.6%), and that nearly half had unfavorable practices (48.3%). Significant associations (p < 0.05) were found between KAP scores and factors such as location, healthcare setting, educational level, professional designation, and prior infectious disease training. During focus group discussion (FGD), HCPs emphasized the cautious use of PM, particularly in the management of resistant infections. However, limitations in resources, poor governance, poverty, and access to data and testing facilities were highlighted as barriers in the implementation of PM into practice. This study highlights critical gaps in knowledge and practices towards AMR among HCPs. While PM is viewed as a potential tool against AMR, systemic support, resource allocation, and targeted awareness programs are essential to integrate PM into clinical practice.
Insights
Healthcare professionals in Pakistan show poor knowledge and practices regarding antimicrobial resistance (AMR). While precision medicine (PM) is seen as a solution, implementation faces significant barriers like resource limitations and lack of data access.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Public Health
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global threat to effective antibiotic treatment.
- Precision medicine (PM) offers a personalized approach to healthcare that may combat AMR.
- Understanding healthcare providers' perspectives on AMR and PM in Pakistan is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of healthcare professionals (HCPs) towards AMR in Pakistan.
- To explore HCPs' perceptions of precision medicine (PM) as a strategy to mitigate AMR.
- To identify barriers and facilitators for implementing PM in AMR management.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-methods approach combining a validated questionnaire for KAP assessment (N=326) and focus group discussions (FGDs).
- Quantitative data analyzed using SPSS for descriptive and bivariate statistics.
- Qualitative data from FGDs analyzed using thematic analysis.
Main Results:
- HCPs exhibited low knowledge (55.5%), moderate attitudes (54.6%), and unfavorable practices (48.3%) concerning AMR.
- Significant associations found between KAP scores and demographics (location, setting, education, designation, training).
- FGDs revealed cautious optimism towards PM but highlighted major implementation barriers: resource scarcity, poor governance, poverty, and limited data/testing access.
Conclusions:
- Critical gaps in knowledge and practices related to AMR exist among Pakistani HCPs.
- Precision medicine is perceived as a valuable tool against AMR, but its effective integration requires substantial systemic support.
- Addressing resource limitations, improving governance, and enhancing data/testing infrastructure are essential for successful PM implementation in combating AMR.
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