Understanding the role of knowledge and attitudes of community pharmacy staff in non-prescribed antibiotic dispensing practices in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study

BMJ Open 2026 Open access

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Authors: Mst Mabiya Sultana Samapti, Kazi Miraz Hossain, Fatema Akter Riha, Nafisa Binte Showkat, Taslima Begum, Md. Ataur Rahman, Md Golam Rasul
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2025-107698
Cited by: 1
References: 50

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical public health issue in Bangladesh, exacerbated by the widespread practice of non-prescribed antibiotic dispensing. This study seeks to assess their knowledge and attitudes, particularly how these factors influence non-prescribed antibiotic dispensing practices in Bangladesh. METHODS: A total of 287 pharmacy staff across four regions of Bangladesh were included in the study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding non-prescribed antibiotic dispensing. RESULTS: The study found that 92.4% of respondents dispensed antibiotics without prescriptions. The practice was significantly more prevalent among those with poor knowledge (99.28% in below-average vs 86.09% in above-average knowledge groups, p

Fields of Study & Subjects

Antibiotic Use and Resistance Pharmaceutical Quality and Counterfeiting Pharmaceutical and Antibiotic Environmental Impacts

Publication details

Journal / source
BMJ Open
Publisher
BMJ
Volume
16
Issue
1
Pages
e107698–e107698
Publication date
1 January 2026
Language
EN