Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41314832›Full record

ArticleBMJ open2025

Insights into antimicrobial resistance awareness among Sri Lankan medical practitioners: a qualitative study.

Shobha Sanjeewani Gunathilaka, Charuni Wickramasooriya, Shameen Jayasingha, Thilini Edirisooriya, Reshani Kaumada Keragala, Sujanthi Wickramage, Sachithra Bandara, Thilini Ekanayake, Janaka Pushpakumara, Sachika Paththamperuma

Abstract read
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Article in BMJ open, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

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3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

10 authors.

Shobha Sanjeewani GunathilakaDepartment of Microbiology, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Saliyapura, Sri Lanka ssgunathilake@med.rjt.ac.lk.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0367-302X
Charuni WickramasooriyaRajarata University of Sri Lanka Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Saliyapura, Sri Lanka.
Shameen JayasinghaDepartment of Microbiology, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Saliyapura, Sri Lanka.
Thilini EdirisooriyaDepartment of Microbiology, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Saliyapura, Sri Lanka.
Reshani Kaumada KeragalaDepartment of Microbiology, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Saliyapura, Sri Lanka.
Sujanthi WickramageFaculty of Medicine, University of Moratuwa, Moratuwa, Sri Lanka.
Sachithra BandaraRajarata University of Sri Lanka Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Saliyapura, Sri Lanka.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0422-0946
Thilini EkanayakeRajarata University of Sri Lanka Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Saliyapura, Sri Lanka.
Janaka PushpakumaraRajarata University of Sri Lanka Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Saliyapura, Sri Lanka.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8680-4397
Sachika PaththamperumaTeaching Hospital Anuradhapura, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectivesThe objective of this study was to explore medical practitioners' understanding of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and its aspects, such as its causes, possible outcomes and how doctors can contribute to its prevention. DESIGN AND

settingThis qualitative study was conducted in Sri Lankan healthcare settings.

participantsUsing convenience sampling, the study included allopathic medical practitioners aged 18-60 years, excluding intern-medical officers, until data saturation.

interventionOne-on-one interviews were conducted online or in person, depending on each participant's preference. A structured questionnaire was used to triangulate the information.

resultsData were categorised into four: (1) understanding, awareness and identifying AMR as an issue among medical practitioners, (2) knowledge and understanding of factors that contribute to AMR development among medical practitioners, (3) knowledge and understanding of the outcome of AMR and (4) knowledge and understanding of preventive measures against AMR among medical officers. Interviewees showed an awareness of AMR; however, their knowledge was not up to date. Key reasons for inappropriate antibiotic use included unavailability and poor quality of antibiotics and unawareness of updated guidelines, especially in the government sector. In the private sector, patient pressure, the need to attract patients and the high cost of investigations contributed to misuse. Additionally, low patient literacy about AMR was a significant factor.

conclusionThis study revealed that although medical practitioners in Sri Lanka are aware of AMR, their knowledge remains limited in certain areas. Several challenges contributed to inappropriate antibiotic use, including the availability and quality of antibiotics, external pressures from patients and financial constraints. The findings of this study highlight the urgent need for continuous medical education and public awareness campaigns to improve both practitioner and patient understanding of AMR. Addressing these issues is essential for effectively preventing and managing AMR in healthcare settings in Sri Lanka.

Indexed as

Anti-Bacterial AgentsDrug Resistance, BacterialDrug Resistance, MicrobialHealth Knowledge, Attitudes, PracticePhysiciansAdolescentAdultFemaleHumansInappropriate PrescribingInterviews as TopicMaleMiddle AgedPractice Patterns, Physicians'Qualitative ResearchSri LankaAnti-Bacterial AgentsAntibioticsAwarenessINFECTIOUS DISEASESQUALITATIVE RESEARCH

Identifiers

PMID41314832
PMCPMC12666145

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.