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Antibiotic resistance, a growing global health crisis, threatens the efficacy of life-saving drugs and puts millions at risk of untreatable infections. Bridging the gap between knowledge and action is crucial in combating this challenge, particularly among future health care professionals like pharmacists. A recent study sheds light on how pharmacy students across the Middle East perceive and respond to this pressing issue.
A Comprehensive Regional Survey
From March 2021 to January 2022, a cross-sectional study surveyed 4,265 pharmacy students in seven Middle Eastern countries—Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait. Published in Medicine, the study highlights the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of these students regarding antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
The findings revealed a promising yet uneven foundation of knowledge among the students, with a median knowledge score of 5 out of 7 (71.4%). Those in advanced years of study or enrolled in Bachelor of Pharmacy programs displayed greater awareness, emphasizing the impact of formal education and clinical training.
Knowledge vs. Practice: A Gap to Bridge
Pharmacists are critical players in antibiotic stewardship, responsible for educating patients, preventing misuse, and ensuring proper medication practices. While 89.2% of students recognized antibiotic resistance as a significant threat and 93% emphasized the importance of raising awareness, the study uncovered gaps in their behaviors.
For instance, 73% of students reported using antibiotics only with a doctor’s prescription, yet over half (51.7%) admitted to using antibiotics to manage fever—often an unnecessary and risky practice. This disconnect underscores the need for educational strategies that emphasize not only theoretical knowledge but also practical decision-making skills.
The Role of Risk Perception
One of the study’s key insights is the influence of risk perception on behavior. Students who underestimate their personal risk of antibiotic misuse are more likely to engage in risky practices, such as self-medication or using outdated prescriptions. By integrating risk perception into educational programs, pharmacy schools can encourage students to internalize the immediate and long-term consequences of improper antibiotic use.
Innovative teaching methods, including role-playing, case studies, and data visualizations, could help students better understand resistance trends and the real-world impact of their choices. Empowering them with both knowledge and accountability is essential for fostering safer practices in their future roles.
Regional Challenges and Opportunities
The Middle East presents unique hurdles in addressing antibiotic resistance. Factors such as cultural norms, health care systems, and regulatory frameworks vary widely, influencing antibiotic use and policies. For example, students in Egypt scored the highest in knowledge, reflecting potentially stronger AMR education efforts. Meanwhile, countries with stricter antibiotic dispensing laws saw fewer cases of self-medication, highlighting the importance of robust policy enforcement.
Despite these differences, a shared challenge emerged: limited participation in community initiatives or awareness campaigns. This points to an opportunity for pharmacy schools to incorporate public engagement into their curricula, equipping students to become advocates for responsible antibiotic use.
A Call to Action
This study underscores both the promise and urgency of preparing future pharmacists to combat antibiotic resistance. Their strong foundational knowledge and proactive attitudes are assets, but gaps in practice and regional disparities highlight the need for targeted interventions.
The battle against AMR begins in classrooms and extends to communities, where informed pharmacists can lead the charge. By investing in education, advocacy, and policy reform, we can ensure antibiotics remain effective for generations to come.
The question remains: Are we equipping these future leaders with the tools they need? The answer will define the trajectory of global health in the fight against AMR.
For more on this study, refer to: Abdallah Y. Naser et al, Knowledge, attitude, and practices of pharmacy students in 7 Middle Eastern countries concerning antibiotic resistance: A cross-sectional study, Medicine (2024). DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000039378.
