ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE IN COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE SETTINGS: BEHAVIORAL DRIVERS, POLICY GAPS, AND PREVENTION STRATEGIES” ON THIS TITLE NEED A RESEARCH ARTICLE FIRST GIVE ME INTRODUCTION

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is now a major global health issue, especially in community health care settings, where the use of antibiotics may be common and inappropriate. The purpose of this study was to look at factors that influence behaviours, policy gaps and prevention strategies related to AMR in community health care settings. A quantitative cross sectional research design was used which involved healthcare providers, pharmacists and patients in community healthcare. The study employed a structured questionnaire with five-point Likert scale and analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistical techniques such as correlation and multiple regression analysis. The results showed that the need and demand for antimicrobial drugs, self-medication and poor knowledge about the drugs are significant factors in the context of inappropriate use of antimicrobials. Policy-related weaknesses and the limited enforcement of policies, especially access to diagnostics, were also noted as significant drivers of AMR. The results of regression analysis showed that the behavioral drivers and policy gaps were effective in explaining the variance in the model, which accounted for a significant amount of variation in the patterns of antimicrobial use. Overall, the study suggests that AMR in community settings is a multifaceted problem that needs a multifaceted approach which includes AMSPs, capacity enhancement for diagnosis, policy enforcement and behavioral change strategies. All these factors need to be addressed to lower burden of AMR and achieve sustainable healthcare outcomes.