ANTIBIOTIC DISPENSING AND AMR AWARENESS AMONG COMMUNITY PHARMACISTS: INSIGHTS FROM A QUALITATIVE STUDY

AbstractObjectives: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an escalating global issue, and understanding its driversin community pharmacy settings is essential for developing contextual interventions. This study aimedto explore antibiotic dispensing practices, AMR awareness, patient interactions, and training needs ofcommunity pharmacists.Methods: A qualitative study was carried out in Mysuru City, Karnataka, India, involving in-depth,semi-structured interviews with community pharmacists. Participants were selected using aconvenience sampling method. The interview guide underwent pilot testing, and the final sample sizewas determined based on data saturation. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed word toword. Data were analysed using a thematic analysis approach, aligning with the study’s objectives.Result: Four major themes were identified: (1) Knowledge and awareness of AMR; (2) Antibioticdispensing practices; (3) Patient–pharmacist interactions; and (4) Training needs and capacity building.While pharmacists demonstrated a basic understanding of AMR, non-prescription dispensing ofantibiotics such as amoxicillin, azithromycin, and ciprofloxacin was common, often driven by customerdemand. Many pharmacists agreed that they do partial course dispensing and have a lack of follow-upwith patients. Awareness of regulatory protocols like Schedule H/H1 existed, but adherence wasinconsistent. Participants expressed strong interest in AMR-related training, favouring flexible formatssuch as evening workshops or online sessions in local languages.Conclusion: Community pharmacists in Mysuru demonstrated limited adherence to prescriptionregulations despite basic AMR awareness. Strengthening pharmacist training and enforcing stewardshippolicies are essential to curb inappropriate antibiotic dispensing.