The role of community pharmacists and their perception towards antimicrobial stewardship in Baghdad, Iraq

Abstract Background This study aimed to assess the role of community pharmacists and their perception toward antimicrobial stewardship, in addition to identifying factors influencing their perception and practices in community pharmacy. Methods A cross‐sectional study was carried out among community pharmacists regarding antimicrobial stewardship. Convenience sampling was used to obtain the required sample from a community pharmacy in Baghdad. In total, 381 participants have completed the survey. Results The majority of the participants (85.6%) strongly agreed/agreed that “antimicrobial stewardship programs reduce the problems of antibiotic resistance”; and 85.5% of them strongly agreed/agreed that community pharmacists required adequate training on antibiotics use. In addition, high percent of community pharmacists (88.4%) strongly agreed/agreed that pharmacists have a responsibility to take a prominent role in antimicrobial stewardship programs and infection‐control programs in the health system. The total score of perception was significantly influenced by older age groups, postgraduate degrees, and experience of 6–10 years (p