Navigating Antimicrobial Resistance Insights: An In-Depth Analysis of Healthcare Providers’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices, with an Emphasis on Precision Medicine in Pakistan

Antibiotics play a crucial role in the treatment of many complicated problems in clinical medicine, but antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a serious concern threatening to undermine its effectiveness. Precision medicine (PM) which tailors treatment to individual and genetic and lifestyle factors, may offer a novel approach to combat AMR. Yet, little is known about how healthcare providers in Pakistan understand and integrate the concept of precision medicine within their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards AMR. This study aims to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practices of healthcare professionals towards AMR and to explore their perception about precision medicine as a strategy to reduce AMR. A mixed method approach was employed for the study. The knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of healthcare professionals (N = 326) were assessed through a validated questionnaire. SPSS version 26 (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) was employed for descriptive and bivariate analyses to determine KAP score and its association with demographics. Qualitative data were gathered through a focus group discussion and thematic analysis was performed to explore the perception about PM. Results showed that healthcare professionals demonstrate poor knowledge (55.5%), relatively positive attitudes (54.6%), and that nearly half had unfavorable practices (48.3%). Significant associations (<i>p</i> < 0.05) were found between KAP scores and factors such as location, healthcare setting, educational level, professional designation, and prior infectious disease training. During focus group discussion (FGD), HCPs emphasized the cautious use of PM, particularly in the management of resistant infections. However, limitations in resources, poor governance, poverty, and access to data and testing facilities were highlighted as barriers in the implementation of PM into practice. This study highlights critical gaps in knowledge and practices towards AMR among HCPs. While PM is viewed as a potential tool against AMR, systemic support, resource allocation, and targeted awareness programs are essential to integrate PM into clinical practice.