AURAK Policy Research on Antibiotic Usage and Resistance in Ras Al Khaimah

Antibiotic resistance has been identified as a major risk to health and well-being worldwide, most notably it leads to increased healthcare costs, extended hospital stays, and an increase in morbidity and mortality. Researchers believe the main reason for antibiotic resistance are the over or improper use of antibiotics in the health system and in farming. Other potential factors in the over or improper use of antibiotics may include the limited knowledge of medical experts and their experience, patient expectations, pharmaceutical marketing and the sale of antibiotics without a prescription. The team were also conscious that a significant number of people unfortunately use antibiotics to treat viral infections thereby contribution to antibiotic resistance globally.

The team at AURAK, consisting of Dr. Cijo George Vazhappilly, Prof. Maxime Merheb, Dr. Rachel Matar, Dr. Rawad Hodeify, Mr. John Marton, Mr. Hussain Al Zouabi, Wilfa Fernandes, Shimy Mathew, and Fatema Al Zaabi, surveyed 306 residents of Ras Al Khaimah to understand their knowledge, awareness, attitude, practice, and perceptions about the use of antibiotics. The team also surveyed major pharmacies within Ras Al Khaimah to identify whether the policies on dispensing antibiotics are followed. Of the 306 residents who responded, 49% reported having self-medicated using antibiotics at least once. Nearly, 32% of the respondents reported that they had purchased non-prescribed drugs from the pharmacy to treat bacterial infections in the last 1-2 years. It was also noted that more than half of the participants, 52.94%, believed that antibiotics can be used to treat viral infections.

As a result of the study, it was concluded that each healthcare entity should have a policy to minimize antibiotic resistance. It was also recommended that healthcare entities need to educate the public, and constantly remind healthcare providers about the consequences of antibiotic resistance. The team were able to develop robust health education programs which were delivered across RAK raising public awareness regarding efficient antibiotic usage.