# Attitudes, Beliefs, and Behaviors of Topical Antibiotic Prescribing among Primary Care Providers in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

## TL;DR

This study examines how primary care providers in Saudi Arabia prescribe topical antibiotics and finds widespread misuse linked to antibiotic resistance and poor patient outcomes.

## Contribution

The study provides insights into the attitudes and behaviors of primary care providers in Saudi Arabia regarding topical antibiotic prescriptions.

## Key findings

- 73% of providers believe inappropriate topical antibiotic use risks patient health.
- 43% of providers report encountering antibiotic resistance in practice.
- Many providers lack updated knowledge and proper supervision regarding topical antibiotic use.

## Abstract

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 20–50% of antibiotics are misused in society. In addition to the development of antimicrobial resistance, topical antibiotics have been associated with adverse effects such as allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and inadequate wound healing. This study investigated the appropriateness of topical antibiotic prescriptions among primary care providers in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Saudi Arabian primary care providers (physicians (general, family, and internal medicine)) employed in governmental and non-governmental healthcare facilities (primary care centers and outpatient clinics). Results: In total, 222 participants were included in the analysis. A total of 73% agreed that inappropriate topical antibiotic use puts patients at risk, and 43% reported antibiotic resistance in daily practice. Many respondents lacked knowledge of the proper indications for topical antibiotics, and 66.2% attributed this to a lack of updated knowledge, while 45% blamed inadequate supervision. Conclusion: Antibiotic prescription patterns deviated from the standards recommended by WHO. This calls for continuous review at all levels of healthcare, providing more physician education and ensuring that antibiotic therapy guidelines are easily accessible and effectively used to avoid the negative consequences of inappropriate antibiotic prescription.