• A cross-sectional survey of 9249 general physicians (GPs) from nine low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)was conducted by researchers from Global Medical Affairs, to study their antibiotic prescribing practices and attitudes towards antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

• Findings of the study: Of the participants, 62% agreed to the fact that AMR is a concerning issue in their country, and 63% said prescribing antibiotics in primary care leads to AMR.

• Challenges perceived :

  • Around 38% of the GPs found it challenging in prescribing antibiotics to children.

  • Ninety-five percent of the GPs said that choosing antibiotics for pregnant women and patients with comorbidities is challenging.

  • Difficulty in correlating the data on antibiotic susceptibility with antibiotic choices.

  • Little information is available on the availability of drugs.

  • Unavailability of appropriate antibiotics.

  • Lack of regular training.

• Factors leading to the usage of broad-spectrum antibiotics:

  • Practioners belief that they are more effective than narrow-spectrum antibiotics in treating infections.

  • Pressure from patients to prescribe antibiotics.

  • The tendency to self-medicate.

  • Non-compliance with the prescribed treatment.

• Ninety percent of GPs agreed that they need regular training on antibiotic prescription

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