Journal
JOURNAL OF CHEMOTHERAPY
Volume 31, Issue 7-8, Pages 378-387Publisher
TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
DOI: 10.1080/1120009X.2019.1622293
Keywords
Antimicrobial stewardship; knowledge; perceptions; physicians; pharmacists; Zambia
Ask authors/readers for more resources
Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is a key strategy promoting rational antimicrobial use. In Zambia, information on health professionals' knowledge, attitude, and practice of AMS is limited. This study was undertaken to address this at Zambia's leading specialized teaching hospitals. Descriptive, cross-sectional study involved 137 physicians and 61 pharmacists. AMS knowledge was relatively low among physicians (51%) and pharmacists (39%). Few physicians (9%) and pharmacists (20%) demonstrated sufficient knowledge of the basic principles of AMS. Physicians' and pharmacists' knowledge levels were significantly associated with years of practice, job position or practice rank, and previous AMS training. The majority (95%) perceived AMR as a current problem in their practise. Most physicians (92%) and pharmacists (86%) had not undertaken AMS training before. All indicated the need for context-specific educational interventions to promote AMS in Zambia. Despite positive perceptions, basic knowledge of AMS was relatively low. Context-specific educational interventions and capacity building are needed to address AMS gaps.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available