BackgroundAntibiotics resistance is a serious problem around the world, which has been increasing in the last century due to misuse of antibiotics. Recently, Saudi Arabia enforced the Executive Regulations of Health Practice Law that prohibits dispensing antibiotics without prescription.Aim(1) To assess the association between the knowledge and attitude toward the recent enforcement of the antibiotic restriction Law and the antibiotic use among Saudi population.(2) To assess the pattern of antibiotic use before and after the enforcement of the Law.MethodAn online cross-sectional study was conducted among residents of Saudi Arabia.ResultsThe study was carried out among 570 Saudi participants; the result shows no considerable difference before and after law enforcement in purchasing and use of antibiotics. During the six months before the law implementation, antibiotics were obtained by 42 (7%) through purchase from the pharmacy without a prescription, 23 (4%) through remains of previously used containers, and 7 (1%) through a relative or a friend; while during the six months after the law implementation it was 31 (5%), 22 (4%) and 7 (1%), respectively. Only 48% agreed that they always received advice from a doctor, nurse or pharmacist on how to use your antibiotics. 32% have no knowledge about antibiotic resistance or drug resistance or antibiotic-resistant bacteria. More than two third (75%) were aware of the recent enforcement of the law that prohibits dispensing antibiotics without prescription. Among the participants, 91 (16%), 285 (50%) and 194 (34%) were expressed negative, neutral and positive attitude towards the law, respectively.ConclusionIn spite of the recent enforcement of the Law, there is still misuse of antibiotics, which indicate need for educational programs and campaigns to improve the knowledge of the population.

Findings from our study indicate that compared with propensity score-matched controls, stroke survivors engage in poorer health behaviors with the exception of alcohol consumption.

Background Amid the turbulent nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, telepharmacy has shifted the paradigm of patient care by leveraging digital medicine. Government mandated lockdowns and norms of social distancing have further underscored the need for telepharmacy. Many developed and developing countries implemented such initiatives where pharmacists have provided tele-pharmacy services via telecommunications. However, the implementation and utilization of tele-pharmacy services are quite negligible in resource limited settings due to financial and administrative constraints. This study was aimed to ascertain the perception and readiness of pharmacists working in various sectors of a resource limiting country. Methodology A cross sectional study was carried out in all provinces of Pakistan to explore the perceptions of pharmacists towards telepharmacy implementation through a 35-items study instrument. The collected data was analyzed descriptively and scored accordingly. The chi-square test was used for inferential analysis on pharmacist’s perception regarding implementation of tele-pharmacy with their demographics. Results Of 380 pharmacists, the mean age is 27.67 ± 3.67 years with a preponderance of male pharmacists (n = 238, 62.6%). The pharmacists (n = 321, 84.5%) perceived that telepharmacy implementation improves patient’s quality of life and decreases patients’ visits (n = 291, 76.6%). Overall, pharmacists (n = 227, 59.7%) had negative perception towards benefits of telepharmacy implementation, but pharmacists had positive perception towards eligibility (n = 258, 67.9%), regulatory issues (n = 271, 71.3%) and telepharmacy during pandemic and beyond (n = 312, 82.1%). In chi-square testing gender (p = 0.03) and age (p = 0.03) had a significant association with perception regarding regulatory issues. Among perception regarding telepharmacy during COVID-19 pandemic and beyond age had a significant association (p = 0.03). Among perception regarding eligibility job location of pharmacists had significant association (p = 0.04). Conclusion The majority of pharmacists had a positive perception regarding the eligibility of patients and regulatory issues/legal framework regarding the implementation of tele-pharmacy, as well as its use during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. The implementation of tele-pharmacy can play a major role in providing timely and better patient care to remote patient areas and may help in the prevention and treatment of different infectious diseases.

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