Insights of community pharmacists on antibiotic misuse during the COVID-19 pandemic in the northern region of Cyprus

Introduction: The global healthcare system faced unparalleled challenges during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, potentially reshaping antibiotic usage trends. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, perceptions, and observations of community pharmacists concerning antibiotic utilization during and after the pandemic; and offer crucial insights into its impact on antibiotic usage patterns and infection dynamics. Methodology: This cross-sectional study involved 162 community pharmacists in Northern Cyprus. Data were gathered via a structured survey, including pharmacist demographics, antibiotic knowledge, perceptions of antibiotic resistance, and observations on antibiotic misuse during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The data were analyzed by biostatistical methods. Results: Over 90% of pharmacists demonstrated high awareness of antibiotic overuse and resistance. The average antibiotic use knowledge score was 5.09/7. The majority expressed interest in further education (85.2%) and participation in campaigns (96.9%) to promote appropriate antibiotic use. Notably, 87.7% of participants observed an increase in respiratory infections post pandemic, and 45.7% reported administering more antibiotics, reflecting heightened demand. Furthermore, 63.6% noted increased demand for unprescribed antibiotics, while 45.7% expressed concerns about potential neglect of the antibiotic resistance issue as a consequence of the pandemic. Conclusions: The study highlights critical changes in antibiotic dispensing patterns among community pharmacists during and after the COVID19 pandemic. The results here underscore the pivotal role of pharmacists in antibiotic stewardship, advocating for ongoing education, and stricter prescription regulations to optimize antibiotic use and combat resistance.