Behind the Pharmacy Counter: An Exploration of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) from a Customer-Centric Perspective. A National Study of Saudi Pharmacies.

ABSTRACT

The misuse of antibiotics contributes to the development of antibiotic resistance, posing serious global health risks. Understanding public awareness is crucial in addressing this issue. This research investigates the awareness, attitudes, and behaviours related to antibiotics and their use among pharmacy customers in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A comprehensive questionnaire was developed and refined through expert evaluation and field testing. The study was conducted in pharmacies. Data collection involved a systematic approach using Google Forms and QR codes. The analysis was conducted through descriptive statistics and ANOVA to assess demographic influences by using SPSS. Results: This study involves the 718 customers, 16 withdrew, yielding a 97.8% response rate. A significant portion (46.2%) of participants were aged 25 years or younger, with males comprising 71.1%. More than half (56.4%) held bachelor's degrees. About 53.1% perceived antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs as dissimilar medications. A notable majority (70.7%) understood antibiotics as intended solely for bacterial infections, while 80.3% expressed concern about excessive antibiotic use. Around 43.3% believed expensive antibiotics didn't guarantee safety or effectiveness. Additionally, 66.3% believed in the efficacy of multiple antibiotics, but 69.5% cautioned against saving and reusing leftover antibiotics. A minority (21.1%) admitted to never reading antibiotic instructions, contrasting with 40.7% who reported consulting doctors before changing antibiotics. Educational level significantly influences the knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning antibiotic usage. Conclusion: Positive and concerning trends in antibiotic awareness and usage reveal the need for targeted education campaigns to promote responsible antibiotic usage and combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.

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• DOI10.18549/PharmPract.2025.2.3165Copy

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