Antimicrobial drugs dispensing practices of employees in the community pharmacies in Batticaloa RDHS area

Abstract

Inappropriate use of antibiotics in the community contributes to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), one of the most concerning issues in modern medicine. Self-medication with antibiotics is one of the major factors contributing to misuse and community pharmacies are primarily responsible for self-medication with antibiotics in low and middle-income countries where infectious diseases are a major burden. The objectives of the study were to investigate the knowledge on antimicrobial drugs and AMR antimicrobial drugs dispensing practices of employees of community pharmacies in Batticaloa RDHS area. Descriptive, cross-sectional study, was conducted among all (57) employees of the community pharmacies (retail) situated in the Batticaloa RDHS area using a self-administered questionnaire. Variables were analyzed using SPSS.26. A total of 55 employees consented to participate in the study and the response rate was 96%. Majority of the participants were between ages of 20-30 years (67.3% N=37), were males (63.6%, N=35) and educated up to A/L. The ethnic composition of the study population comprised of Tamils (67.3% N=37), Muslims (30.9%, N=17) and burger (1.8%, N=1). Among the participants only 10 (18.2%) had completed a certified pharmacy course. 1). Among the participants only 10 (18.2%) had completed a certified pharmacy course. Nearly half of the participants (45.5%) had average knowledge on antimicrobial drugs and AMR and 94.5% of the participants had good level of antimicrobial drugs dispensing practice. It was noted that 24.6% of the study population (N=13) had the practice of dispensing antibiotics without the prescription during their busy time and 69.1% (N=38) had the practice of dispensing antibiotics in improper quantities. Despite of existing Sri Lankan law and guidelines prohibiting provision of antibiotics to the public without a prescription, community pharmacies continue the practice providing antibiotics of without a prescription during their busy times and continue to provide antibiotics in improper quantities. Educating pharmacists and other employees of community pharmacies about antibiotics, appropriate use and antibiotic resistance, as well as the legal requirements for supply is must.