IT’S OUT OF MY HANDS. Perceptions about antibiotic resistance in rural India

Abstract

Background: India is one of the countries most affected by antibiotic resistance (ABR). Since larger parts of the population are without safe drinking water and lack of sensible sanitation; infections are very common. The antibiotics are easily accessible, they are cheap and usually available without prescription. Preventing infection and reducing opportunities for microorganisms to pass between patients and staff is central to nursing care. Bacteria are not limited by countries and borders, and the only way to defeat them, in this globalized world, is to work together internationally. Aim: To explore perceptions about antibiotics and antibiotic resistance among nurses, nursing students and pharmacists in rural India. Method: A qualitative study with interviews was conducted with 11 participants in total; 5 nurses, 5 students and 1 pharmacist. Data was analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Result: The main finding of this study was the feeling of ABR being out of the participant’s hands. Lacking of authority to make an impact left the participants doing only what was in their area of responsibility and not engage in subjects they considered were out of their field, such as ABR. Furthermore the data analysis revealed three themes: lack of knowledge, impact of the nurse’s role and thirdly challenges of the society. In addition there are subthemes analyzing the participant’s perceptions about ABR. Conclusion: As the nurse's role was very limited, participants showed little interest regarding areas that they could not influence. ABR was considered a subject out of their area of influence.