Lifestyle Desk: Recently, a group of researchers from ICDDRB in collaboration with Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of Bangladesh Government, Directorate of Health, Sir Salimullah Medical College and Mitford Hospital, University of Massachusetts Amherst, United States and University of New South Wales, Australia, conducted a study on antibiotic resistance in Bangladeshi newspapers during 2010-2021. Published an article titled 'Report Analysis'. The study was conducted to find out how news about antibiotic resistance has been published in the mainstream newspapers of Bangladesh over the past decade.
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The study emphasized the important role of mass media in shaping public perception and awareness about the ineffectiveness of antibiotics.
This study analyzed 275 articles (reports, editorials and opinion pieces) from 12 Bangladeshi dailies between January 2010 and September 2021. In terms of newspaper selection, six English and six Bengali newspapers were selected based on the maximum number of circulations, following the "Circulation Number and Advertising Rate of Newspapers 2018" list of the Directorate of Films and Publications, Government of Bangladesh. The newspapers are: Prothom Alo, Ittefaq, Jugantar, Kale Kantha, Samakal, Daily Star, New Age, Financial Express, Janakantha, Naya Diganta, Bhorer Kagaz, and Daily Sun.
Analyzing news reports, 32.2% of reports on antibiotic resistance are related to misuse of antibiotics by consumers. 29% of news stories were about over-the-counter antibiotic sales and 26.1% of reports were about overprescribing by health care providers.
However, the study did not report much on the role of pharmaceutical companies in the distribution and sale of antibiotics. Incentives, such as encouraging doctors to prescribe certain antibiotics, were not reported.
Also, the amount of news based on different events was about 45%. For example, the World Health Organization published a report on antibiotic resistance in the journal. Without such news, there was no opportunity to learn more about antibiotic resistance. In addition, the recommendations provided in the news on what to do to combat antibiotic ineffectiveness are not sufficient. However, it will be positive for the public if these issues are reported in detail.
Research Investigator of Health Systems and Population Studies Department of ICDDR, B and the main researcher of this research. Tahmidul Haque said, 'There is a need for accurate, detailed, and consistent news in the media to create awareness about antibiotic resistance among people and support the national action plan. As a result of this awareness will be created among the people, as well as healthcare providers can be brought under accountability. In addition to writing Pratiben based on scientific data and data, publishing more news in Bengali will improve the perception of the ineffectiveness of antibiotics among the public.'
Antibiotic resistance is increasing significantly in Bangladesh with a population of 17 crore. According to recent data, resistance rates are alarmingly high among common microorganisms such as E. coli, responsible for a variety of infections including urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal infections and sepsis. Resistance to ampicillin was 94.6%, amoxiclav 67.1%, ciprofloxacin 65.2% and co-trimoxazole 72%. High resistance levels to antibiotics pose a serious threat to public health. This is because it limits the effectiveness of drugs, leading to chronic illness, high medical costs and increased mortality. This high rate of antibiotic resistance is a regional and global threat.
Increasing the number of reports on antibiotic resistance, especially Bengali reports, can help people become more aware. Journalists can work closely with health care experts, researchers, and those working in public health to produce a variety of reports, including investigative reporting on whether organizations are influencing physicians to increase antibiotic use. As a result, the reports will reflect the latest research information and people will have access to more details, which will enrich the reports as well as contribute to public awareness and understanding of antimicrobial resistance.
In 2014 alone, antibiotic resistance was linked to 7 million deaths worldwide. The World Health Organization predicts that by 2050, 10 million people may die each year from antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. As many as 9 million people may die as a result in Asia and Africa alone. Economically, this loss amounts to US$210 trillion or 7% of the GDP of the two regions in 2050.
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In addition, the need for treatment to overcome antibiotic resistance could push an estimated 2.4 million people below the poverty line, further hampering the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
