Knowledge, attitude, perception and practice regarding antimicrobial use in upper respiratory tract infections in Qatar: a systematic review.

Objective: To explore the knowledge, attitude, perception and practice towards antimicrobial use in upper respiratory tract infections in patients visiting healthcare settings in Qatar.

Design: Systematic review was performed using a predetermined protocol and in accordance with standardized reporting guidelines. MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Global Health and PsycINFO were searched for relevant published studies using relevant MESH terms and keywords.

Setting: All healthcare settings in Qatar including both inpatient and ambulatory care.

Participants: All published articles exploring the antimicrobial use in upper respiratory tract infections at any health setting in Qatar were considered for inclusion in the study. No age, gender or population were excluded.

Main Outcome Measures: The outcome of interest was antimicrobial use in upper respiratory tract infections in Qatar. We included all related studies to explore the knowledge, attitude, perception and practice for patients visiting all health care settings.

Results: Three articles were included, one in a primary care setting, one in a secondary care setting and one in the private sector. Overprescribing was noted in all settings. Our findings demonstrate low expectations to receive antibiotics, among the Qatari population, in primary care (28.1%). In fact, the majority of patients would be satisfied with reassurance rather than receiving antimicrobials. Many patients were satisfied with explanation from physicians and counselling. Private sector registered high prevalence of antimicrobial misuse for respiratory tract infections in which 85% deemed inappropriate. This finding was also noted at a medical intensive care unit which showed high antimicrobial use (76%) and respiratory tract infections accounted for 57% of prescriptions.

Conclusion: Studies are needed to determine factors and population-based rates of antimicrobial use in all healthcare settings. There is also a need for interventional programs for both physicians and public on appropriate use of antimicrobials to combat global antimicrobial resistance.