Healthcare Workers Perceptions Regarding Antibiotic Use during COVID-19
Pandemic in Lebanon: A Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract
Aim of the study Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, empirical
antibiotics prescription has increased globally in patients with
COVID-19 for suspected or confirmed bacterial infection. Hence, concerns
have been raised about potential rise in antibiotic resistance that will
create further challenges for antimicrobial stewardship. This
descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to assess healthcare
workers attitudes and practices regarding antibiotics prescription
during the COVID-19 pandemic in Lebanon. Methods used to conduct the
study The survey was distributed online using GOOGLE forms and included
questions addressing socio-demographic characteristics, trainings in
antibiotics use and healthcare workers attitudes and practices regarding
antibiotics prescription during the pandemic. Results of the study In
total, 399 healthcare workers responded to the survey. Less than half of
them had already participated in antibiotic prescription trainings
before or during the pandemic. However, only 11% participated, mostly
nurses, in antibiotic stewardship program. Azithromycin was the most
prescribed antibiotic with Vitamin C and Zinc used as second line
treatments in COVID-19 patients. In addition, nearly two-third of the
participants reported an increase in antibiotic use during the early
phase of the pandemic and considered that COVID-19 patients are
receiving unnecessary antibiotics. Conclusion This study showed
excessive antibiotics prescription during the COVID-19 pandemic in
Lebanon that needs to be tackled by raising awareness of antimicrobial
stewardship and control measures.