Assignment#01

Literature Review

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which has been on the rise globally, has progressively
emerged as a major public health concern for the entire world. By 2050, an increase in AMR
might claim the lives of 10 million people worldwide each year, more than the number of
people who die from cancer today. AMR is a silent threat, but it has already arrived and must
be tackled immediately. Minor infections might become life-threatening, and serious
infections could become impossible to cure if AMR continues to spread. (DAWN, 2021)

Due to the "misuse and overuse" of antimicrobials, AMR has spread to practically all nations
and regions, including Pakistan, contributing to an increase in the burden of diseases caused
by resistant bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi, while restricting treatment choices for such
infections. (Khan, 2021)

The CEO of Pakistan's Drug Regulatory Authority recently cautioned that unless the
widespread practise of prescribing needless antibiotics is curtailed, a superbug could arise
that would be nearly impossible to eradicate. He recommended doctors to prescribe full
antibiotic courses and to ask pharmacists to supply the full course even if patients requested a
reduced dose. (DAWN, 2021)

Overall, Pakistani Community Pharmacists had strong knowledge and a positive attitude, but
poor to moderate antibiotic and ABR practises. Despite this, there is an urgent need for
community-level training, awareness campaigns, patient education, and educational
interventions with ASPs properly followed. To address the issue of ABR, the government
should enforce the regulations and ensure that only licenced pharmacists are permitted to
practise. (Khan. , Khan., Hayat,. Et al. 2021)

A study conducted in the district of Sialkot, Pakistan, revealed gaps in AMR-related

knowledge and attitudes among community members. The general public's lack of
understanding of AMR appears to be a severe problem, negatively influencing antibiotic
usage behaviour. The lack of governance in healthcare systems, particularly in pharmacies,
must be addressed by enacting and enforcing rigorous regulations and procedures that ensure
the presence of pharmacists in charge of regulating over-the-counter access to powerful
antibiotics. (Waseem., Ali., sarwar., et al. 2019)

Students' understanding of antibiotic identification, role, side effects, and resistance was
lacking, and they had a negative attitude about antibiotic use. Those who have a family
member working in a health-related area had a positive attitude. Respondents with three years
of study had a positive attitude, as did female gender and urban residency, which were all
independent predictors of attitude toward antibiotic use. (G., et al. 2020)

Despite knowing that incorrect antibiotic usage can contribute to resistance, participants
frequently self-medicate. Innovative approaches, such as the introduction of new curricula,
may aid in improving awareness and reducing harmful attitudes and practises connected to
antibiotic overuse, ultimately resolving the AMR problem. (K., et al. 2021)

Problem Statement:

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of humanity's most pressing problems. The misuse of
antibiotics contributes to the growth and spread of AMR.

Innovative approaches, such as the introduction of new curricula, may aid in improving
awareness and reducing harmful attitudes and practises connected to antibiotic overuse,
ultimately resolving the AMR problem.

References:

DAWN. (2021, November 23rd).

Khan, U A. (2021, November 23rd). Antimicrobials- Handle with care. DAWN.

DAWN. (2021, March 5). https://www.dawn.com/news/1610784/antimicrobial-resistance

Khan, F U. Khan, F U. Hayat, K. (2021, February 1). Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice on
Antibiotics and Its Resistance: A Two-Phase Mixed-Methods Online Study among Pakistani
Community Pharmacists to Promote Rational Antibiotic Use.

https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/3/1320#cite

Waseem, H. Ali, J. Sarwar, F. et al. (2019, April)

Antimicrobial Resistance & Infection Control https://doi.org/10.1186/s13756-019-0517-3

Fetensa G, Wakuma B, Tolossa T, Fekadu G, Bekuma TT, Fayisa L, Etafa W, Bekela T,

Besho M, Hiko N, Bayou Bekele M, Worku D, Yadesa G, Tsegaye R. Knowledge and
Attitude Towards Antimicrobial Resistance of Graduating Health Science Students of
Wollega University. Infect Drug Resist. 2020;13:3937-3944
https://doi.org/10.2147/IDR.S264481

K, A. et al. (2021, October 8). Self-Medication and Antimicrobial Resistance: A Survey of

Students Studying Healthcare Programmes at a Tertiary Institution in Ghana.

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2021.706290/full