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

Pharmacy Practice

  • Mohammed Kanan1Department of Pharmaceutical Care, Rafha General Hospital, Northern Border Health Cluster, Rafha, Saudi Arabia.
  • Hind M. AlOsaimi2Department of Pharmacy Services Administration, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh Second Health Cluster, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
  • Mubarak Almatri3Oncology Pharmacy, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
  • Sana Alassaf4Department of Doctor of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
  • Norah Alkodari5Department of Doctor of Pharmacy, Nahdi Medical Company, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
  • Nada Asiri4Department of Doctor of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
  • Amirah Alfaifi6Clinical Pharmacy Department, King Khalid University, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
  • Haneen Asiri7Department of Clinical Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
  • Amani Subaykhi8Department of Pharmacy, United Pharmaceutical Company, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
  • Manal Asiri7Department of Clinical Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
  • Salha Alasmari7Department of Clinical Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
  • Raghad Alqahtani7Department of Clinical Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
  • Majd Ladnah7Department of Clinical Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
  • Fawaz Al Thabet9Department of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha.
  • Amal Al-Thabet10Department of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia.

Volume 23 Issue 2 Pages 1-9

DOI: 10.18549/PharmPract.2025.2.3165

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.

Pharmacy Practice

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