Evaluating the Impact of the Kerala Antibiotic Resistance Strategic Action Plan: A Questionnaire-Based Study Among Community Pharmacists in Wayanad

Niveda Sreenivasan; Fasalu  Rahiman Onamveettil Moosa; Lal  Prasanth Mercy Lazar

doi:10.18502/jpc.v13i3.20319

Niveda Sreenivasan Department of Pharmacology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kolkata, India.
Fasalu Rahiman Onamveettil Moosa Department of Pharmacology, Dr. Moopen’s College of Pharmacy, Meppadi, Wayanad, Kerala, India.
Lal Prasanth Mercy Lazar Principal, Dr. Moopen’s College of Pharmacy, Meppadi, Wayanad, Kerala, India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jpc.v13i3.20319

Keywords: Antibiotic Resistance; Antibiotics; Dispensing; KARSAP; Over-The-Counter; Pharmacist; Prescription

Abstract

Background: Antimicrobial resistance is a highly serious healthcare-related issue of this era. Considering the burden of the global crisis of antimicrobial resistance, various strategies have been adopted worldwide. The Kerala Antibiotic Resistance Strategic Action Plan (KARSAP) is an action plan adopted in Kerala. It is the first of its kind, initiated by a state in India to tackle this global issue. Our objective is to evaluate the impact of the implementation of KARSAP, focusing on pharmacists’ knowledge and awareness of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance.

Methods: A questionnaire-based study was conducted among community pharmacies in a locality in Kerala, with a sample size of 50. The questionnaire was distributed by visiting each pharmacy and also involved a personal interview with the drug dispensers. The questionnaire was validated prior to the study. The results were statistically analysed to reach a conclusion.

Results: We observed a 100% response rate in our study. The majority of the respondents were registered pharmacists, and 26% of unqualified persons were also involved. Despite the rising crisis of antimicrobial resistance, many respondents are still unaware of antimicrobial resistance, and only 60% are aware of it. Although over-the-counter sales of antibiotics have reduced, people still request them. As a measure to reduce the burden of this crisis, the government of Kerala has initiated a policy named KARSAP. However, 68% of our study population was unaware of the key policy itself.

Conclusion: While some pharmacists possess a solid understanding of antimicrobial resistance, the broader pharmacist community remains largely uninformed about this issue. The study also identifies the areas of improvement necessary to make KARSAP a complete success.