Factors influencing the use of antibiotics and knowledge about antibiotic resistance in Jakarta : A qualitative study on the perceptions of stakeholders involved in Yayasan Orangtua Peduli’s Smart Use of Antibiotics campaign in Indonesia

Abstract: Introduction: Southeast Asia has among the highest rates of antibiotic resistance worldwide, particularly in Indonesia, where paediatricians prescribed antibiotics to 94% of children, knowing that the infection was viral. Relevance: There is a gap in understanding of the reasons behind the irrational use of antibiotics by healthcare professionals and patients. Aim: This research aims to explore factors that influence the use of antibiotics and knowledge about antibiotic resistance in Jakarta, Indonesia. Methods: In December 2014, the researcher conducted thirteen semi-structured interviews with four stakeholder groups, which are involved in the “Smart Use of Antibiotics” campaign in Jakarta. Qualitative Content Analysis was used to identify the theme “unite our voice to address antibiotic resistance from all angles” as well as the five categories: Education, Media, Policy, Culture and Trust. Results: Each category presented one factor, which was divided into the sub-factors education of patients and professionals; online and offline media; policy and guidelines, drug availability and accessibility and stakeholder involvement; habit and behaviour, doctor-patient relationship, environment / surroundings; and trust in the system, in the healthcare professionals, among professionals and in medicine. Conclusion: All stakeholders need to unite their voices together to achieve a smarter use of antibiotics and increase the knowledge about antibiotic resistance.