Gaps in data collection for sex and gender must be addressed in point prevalence surveys on antibiotic use

Abstract

Introduction 1.1 Antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial stewardshipAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a leading global public health threat (Murry et al., 2022). In 2019, there were 1.27 million deaths attributable to bacterial AMR (Murry et al., 2022). Antimicrobial resistance leads to longer illnesses, increased treatment costs, and increased mortality (World Bank, 2017). AMR presents a threat to the global economy estimated to cost more than $1 trillion annually by 2050 (World Bank, 2017). Antimicrobial resistance is accelerated by the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials, as well as poor infection prevention and control (IPC). But there are other AMR risks including the impact of sex, gender, and systemic inequities (World Health Organization, 2018). Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) helps antimicrobials remain effective by decreasing their inappropriate use, a contributor to increasing AMR to common firstline antimicrobials (