Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding antibiotic use and resistance among pharmacists in the Banadir region of Mogadishu Somalia

Abstract

Background Globally, antibiotic resistance poses a public health concern and adversely impacts treatment, elevates mortality risk, prolongs morbidity, and extends hospital stays and healthcare costs. Dispensing antibiotics without prescriptions contributes to this issue, with pharmacists playing a crucial role in ensuring safe antibiotic use. Methods The purpose of the study was to evaluate pharmacists' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance in Mogadishu, Somalia, from January to March 2023. The pharmacists in Mogadishu, Somalia, were recruited from January to March 2023 using a self-administered questionnaire that was pilot-tested by health professionals who approached all pharmacies in each of the 18 districts. Respondents were selected by a convenience sampling method. The data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Results Out of 410 participants, 81 (90.2%) were male, and the majority of the respondents, 275 (67%), were within the age group of 19–29 years.A total of 334(81.5%) of the participants had a bachelor's degree. Only 81 (19.8%) of the participants studied pharmacy. Regarding the overall knowledge of antibiotic use and resistance, 283 (69%) of the respondents had good knowledge. In addition, 195 (47.6%) of the participants also reported having an inadequate attitude. Moreover, inadequate practices related to the use of antibiotics were also reported among 198 (48.3%) of the participants. Conclusion It is the first study to examine knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance in Mogadishu. The results of this study indicated that pharmacists in Mogadishu had good knowledge, but a poor attitude and practice regarding the use of antibiotics and the development of antibiotic resistance. In order to control antibiotic resistance and improve antibiotic use in Somalia, pharmacists must be trained and made aware of the importance of antimicrobial stewardship and antimicrobial resistance.