Antibiotic Prescribing Practices in Libya: A cross-sectional Survey

Abstract

Antibiotic resistance is one of the most important risks that endanger global health, food security, and development
today. It happens due to the emergence of resistant bacteria strains that are able to survive exposure to different
antibiotics and continue to multiply in the body, potentially causing more harm and spreading to other animals or
people. Usually this is the result of misuses and overuses of antibiotics which are associated with many adverse
outcomes.
The aim of this study was to investigate the practices of doctors regarding their antibiotic prescription.
An online cross-sectional survey of Libyan doctors was conducted over a period of seven weeks. This 11-item selfadministered questionnaire was built using the “Google forms” application and was distributed using social network
groups of doctors.
A total of 185 doctors have completed the questionnaire, with 72.4% female and 27.6% male. Almost half (47%) of
the responding doctors were dentists. About a half (49.2%) had a working experience of 5 years or less. The majority
(66.7%) of the respondents stated that they do follow standard infection control and prevention precautions. 37.4%
of the respondents answered that they do prescribe antibiotics based on culture and sensitivity tests and exactly
same rate reported they do not. About 75% of the doctors stated that they follow antibiotic prescribing guidelines.
Only 18% declared that they may prescribe antibiotics even if they know they are not really needed. Most of those
prescribers justified this practice due to the demand of patients.
According to the results of this study doctors seemed to follow general guidelines for antibiotic prescription and
infection control, but cultures were not routinely done.