The Evolution of Antibiotic Prescribing Practices in Family Medicine An ‎Exploratory Study Amidst Rising Antimicrobial Resistance

Abstract

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a growing global health threat, with inappropriate antibiotic prescribing practices contributing significantly to its development. Family physicians play a crucial role in combating AMR through judicious antibiotic use. This study aimed to explore the evolution of antibiotic prescribing practices among family physicians in primary health care settings in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire administered to 50 randomly selected family physicians from primary health care centers in Al-Ahsa. The questionnaire assessed antibiotic prescribing patterns, awareness and understanding of AMR, factors influencing prescribing decisions, and compliance with antibiotic stewardship programs. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression analyses were performed to analyze the data.

Results: The study revealed variations in antibiotic prescribing patterns across different types of infections, with penicillins commonly prescribed for respiratory infections and cephalosporins for urinary tract infections. Most physicians recognized AMR as a significant public health threat (90%) and considered AMR risks in their prescribing decisions (80%). Factors significantly associated with higher antibiotic prescribing rates included patient expectations (OR=2.5, p=0.006), peer practices/prescribing norms (OR=2.0, p=0.022), fear of clinical complications (OR=3.0, p=0.002), and previous experience with patient outcomes (OR=2.8, p=0.004). Adherence to guidelines and protocols was associated with lower prescribing rates (OR=0.5, p=0.017). Compliance with antibiotic stewardship programs varied, with high awareness (78%) but lower engagement in peer discussions (44%) and feedback on prescribing patterns (40%).

Conclusion: The study highlights the need for continued education, strengthening of antibiotic stewardship programs, addressing patient expectations, promoting public awareness, ongoing monitoring, and multidisciplinary collaboration to combat AMR effectively in primary health care settings.