Community Pharmacist's Role In Combating Antimicrobial Resistance: Practice Gaps and Stewardship Opportunities in Biñan City, Laguna

Laiza Joy Bulanandi Dasalla; Danah Sharriza De Guzman Tialban; Anjanette Carpio Samarita; Junabeth Bayubay Cervantes; Erika Marie Jubilo Cadampog; Eduardo Valencia Soriano, Jr.; Ferdinand Somido

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i04.85764

Community Pharmacist's Role In Combating Antimicrobial Resistance: Practice Gaps and Stewardship Opportunities in Biñan City, Laguna

Author(s)	Laiza Joy Bulanandi Dasalla, Danah Sharriza De Guzman Tialban, Anjanette Carpio Samarita, Junabeth Bayubay Cervantes, Erika Marie Jubilo Cadampog, Eduardo Valencia Soriano, Jr., Ferdinand Somido
Country	Philippines
Abstract	Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global public health concern drivenlargely by inappropriate antibiotic use in community settings. Community pharmacists arestrategically positioned to promote rational antibiotic use; however, inconsistencies in practice maycontribute to the persistence of AMR.Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of communitypharmacists regarding antimicrobial resistance and to identify practice gaps and antimicrobialstewardship (AMS) opportunities in Biñan City, Laguna.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among community pharmacists usinga structured and validated selfadministered questionnaire. The instrument assessed demographiccharacteristics, AMS knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceived barriers. Reliability testing demonstrated acceptable internal consistency using Cronbach’s alpha. Descriptive statistics wereused to summarize responses, while multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determinepredictors of AMS practice scores.Results: Community pharmacists demonstrated generally high levels of knowledge and positiveattitudes toward antimicrobial stewardship; however, variations in actual dispensing andcounseling practices were observed. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that knowledge (β= 0.41, p < 0.001) and positive attitudes toward AMS (β = 0.29, p = 0.010) were significant positive predictors of stewardship practices. In contrast, perceived barriers such as patient demand,workload, and weak regulatory enforcement negatively predicted AMS practices (β = −0.33, p =0.002). The regression model was statistically significant and explained approximately 42% of thevariance in stewardship practice scores (Adjusted R² = 0.39, F = 12.47, p < 0.001).Conclusion: Community pharmacists demonstrate strong knowledge, favorable attitudes, and consistent counseling practices; however, variability in dispensing behaviors highlights a persistentknowledge–practice gap. Strengthening antimicrobial stewardship in community pharmaciesrequires targeted interventions, including continuous professional development, stricterenforcement of prescription regulations, and system-level support to ensure consistent adherence to rational antibiotic use.
Keywords	antimicrobial resistance, antimicrobial stewardship, community pharmacists, antibiotic use, dispensing practices, Philippines
Field	Medical / Pharmacy
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 4, July-August 2026
Published On	2026-08-20
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i04.85764

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Community Pharmacist's Role In Combating Antimicrobial Resistance: Practice Gaps and Stewardship Opportunities in Biñan City, Laguna

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