Knowledge Deficits Among Community Pharmacists May Drive Antibiotic Resistance in Rural Areas: Evidence from Southern...

Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health issue. Since community pharmacists are frontline health officials regarding the provision and management of antibiotics, it is of great importance to study the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) of pharmacists with respect to antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) to formulate specific interventions. In Jordan, where dispensing antibiotics without a prescription is a common situation, this study was designed to assess the KAPs of community pharmacists in southern Jordan on AMR and AMS, the gap in the knowledge base and the practice, and the effect of other variables on antimicrobial education and responsible dispensing. Results: Participant pharmacists (n = 383) confirmed a moderate or lack of knowledge in antibiotic choice, resistance mechanisms, and the basis of stewardship. Despite positive attitudes for AMS, important practice gaps occurred: 38.6% infrequently dispensed antibiotics without prescriptions, 67.4% mistakenly believed that antibiotics may cure viral infections (flu/common cold), and only 33.4% firmly rejected non-prescription antibiotic requests. Knowledge scores were significantly higher among bachelor's degree pharmacists, public university pharmacists, and urban-working pharmacists. Practice scores were better among master's degree holders and urban practitioners. Conclusions: This work indicates that the AMS knowledge and practices of pharmacists in the southern Jordanian community are lacking in a severe way, with almost 4 out of 10 having poor behaviors including dispensing non-prescription antibiotics.