Impact of COVID-19 on Antimicrobial Resistance, Stewardship Perceptions, National Action Plan Among Egyptian Clinicians

Abstract

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global health threat, exacerbated by inappropriate antibiotic use and  inadequate infection control measures. Understanding clinicians' perceptions and knowledge of AMR and antimicrobial stewardship  programs (ASPs) is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate this challenge, especially in the context of the COVID-19  pandemic's impact on healthcare practices.

Aim: The main aims were to assess Egyptian clinicians' perceptions, attitudes, and knowledge  related to antimicrobial resistance, stewardship programs, the national AMR action plan, and the effects of the COVID-19  pandemic on AMR in their clinical setting.

Subjects and Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 305 clinicians across multiple hospitals in Qalyubia Governorate, Egypt in December 2023. The questionnaire covered demographics, experience with AMR and  ASPs, perspectives on causes and consequences of AMR, COVID-19's impact on AMR, and awareness of Egypt's National Action Plan  on AMR (2018-2022).

Results: Most clinicians (95.4%) acknowledged AMR as a global problem, but awareness of ASPs was lower (35.7%). Key perceived factors driving AMR included antibiotic overuse, patient self-medication, lack of microbiology data, and poor infection  control. The COVID-19 pandemic was seen to substantially increased total antibiotic prescribing (77.4%), antibiotic shortages (73.4%), and  spread of resistant organisms (70.5%). However, 74.1% were unaware of Egypt's National AMR Action Plan.

Conclusion: Egyptian  clinicians demonstrated good awareness of AMR's threat but lacked knowledge about stewardship efforts like ASPs and national  initiatives. Educational programs highlighting prudent antibiotic use, robust surveillance, and policy implementation are needed to  combat AMR effectively.