Healthcare providers’ perspectives on antimicrobial resistance in northwest Syria: an exploratory qualitative study
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Armed conflict contributes to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through multiple pathways; therefore, understanding healthcare providers' perceptions of AMR is crucial for developing targeted interventions. This qualitative study explored healthcare provider perceptions of AMR in northwest Syria during July-August 2023 - a conflict-affected region - before the fall of the Syrian regime in December 2024. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 17 healthcare providers (11 doctors, 6 pharmacists) working in the region within the preceding five years, primarily from Idlib governorate. Key themes emerging from the interviews focused on healthcare professionals' understanding of AMR, perceived drivers, conflict and natural disaster-related factors influencing AMR, and examples of successful interventions. Frequently cited drivers were the role of pharmacies in dispensing, the availability of over-the-counter antimicrobials, and community insistence on prescriptions. Inadequate microbiology diagnostic capacity in northwest Syria was also a noted factor. These findings highlight the impact of absent or ineffective policies regarding over-the-counter antibiotic dispensing, lack of antimicrobial guidelines (or poor enforcement), and limited access to diagnostics, offering practical insights for contextualized recommendations during the ongoing transition of Syria's health system.
Date Acceptance
2025-11-04
Citation
Frontiers in Public Health
ISSN
2296-2565
Publisher
Frontiers Media S.A.
Journal / Book Title
Frontiers in Public Health
Copyright Statement
Copyright This paper is embargoed until publication. Once published the Version of Record (VoR) will be available on immediate open access.
License URL
Publication Status
Accepted