OPTIMIZING ANTIBIOTIC USE IN PAKISTAN: A PHARMACOLOGICAL APPROACH TO COMBATING ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE

Background: Particularly in low- and middle-income nations (LMICs) like Pakistan, where improper antibiotic usage is prevalent, antibiotic resistance (ABR) is a developing global health problem. The purpose of this study is to evaluate antibiotic prescribing policies and pinpoint ways to maximize antibiotic use at Peshawar, Pakistan's Hayatabad Medical Complex (HMC). Methods: From January 2024 until July 2024, a cross-sectional observational research was undertaken. Using a methodical random sample, 210 patients in all who had antibiotic prescriptions were incorporated. Medical data and provider interviews yielded information on prescribing habits. National and international recommendations guided the assessment of the appropriateness of antibiotic use; logistic regression was then applied to find elements linked to incorrect prescription writing. Results: The study found that 63% of antibiotic prescriptions were empirical, and 68% were broad-spectrum antibiotics. Only 40% of prescriptions were appropriate according to guidelines. Factors associated with inappropriate prescribing included outpatient department status, prescriptions by junior doctors, and lack of diagnostic tools. An educational intervention implemented during the study improved the rate of appropriate prescribing from 34% to 46%. Conclusion: At HMC, inappropriate antibiotic use is rather common, which reflects more general LMIC trends. To maximize antibiotic use and fight antibiotic resistance in Pakistan, strengthened antibiotic stewardship programs, better access to diagnostic tools, and focused educational campaigns are desperately needed.