Adherence to Antibiotic Prescriptions Among Dental Patients in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an increasing worldwide health concern, and non-adherence to antibiotic medication is a crucial factor in its growth. The objective of this research was to assess the adherence of dental patients in Saudi Arabia to oral antibiotic therapy, their knowledge of AMR, and their precise antibiotic prescription.

Methodology: From February 2023 to July 2023, a descriptive quantitative study was conducted among 450 outpatient dental patients who had obtained antibiotic prescriptions from dentists in the previous year. The questionnaire included three elements: knowledge of AMR, antibiotic usage behavior, and demographic information.

Results:  During the study, it was found that only 3.6% of participants showed complete adherence to antibiotic therapy; 34% showed adherence to antibiotic therapy to a moderate extent, while 62.3% exhibited low adherence. Statistically significant relationships were established between age and income, and patients' adherence levels, with considerably lower adherence among the younger and the patients with lower income. Despite 72.5% admitting the importance of appropriate use of antibiotics, 68.8% said they had stopped taking the antibiotic medication once they started to feel better, and 35.3% used lower prescribed doses.

Conclusion:  The results of the study suggest that the level of adherence to antibiotic prescription among dental patients in Saudi Arabia is low, and this is of great concern to AMR. It is hereby imperative to tackle the elements that lead to nonadherence to maintain the efficacy of antibiotics and protect public health. Healthcare stakeholders can achieve AMR reduction and optimal patient outcomes by implementing focused interventions and public health efforts.