A Mixed Method systemic review, conducted by researchers from China, analyzed data from 52 countries. 

The review found that most of the LMIC countries have been dispensing antibiotics without any prescription.

Recent evidence suggests a new wave of antimicrobial resistance emerging in most parts of the world. 

Antibiotics have been a crucial turning point in the history of medical science as they save millions of lives every year. 

In recent times, antibiotic resistance has been a major public health problem with significant emphasis from WHO. 

The quantitative study indicates that pharmacies located in lower-income areas, staffed by pharmacy owners and private pharmacies are more likely to dispense non-prescription drugs.

A qualitative study suggested four major factors driving dispensing of antibiotics without a prescription: strong customer demand for non-prescription antibiotics combined with a lack of relevant knowledge, pharmacy staff motivated by financial or personal viewpoints, expensive or inconvenient alternative healthcare services or irregular prescribing practices, and weak social, industry, and legal regulation.