Antibiotic Prescribing Decisions for Upper Respiratory Tract Infections Among Primary Healthcare Physicians in China: A Mixed-Methods Approach Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior.

ABSTRACT: Objectives: In China, primary healthcare (PHC) facilities have high antibiotic prescribing rates for upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), which are primarily viral and self-limited. This study aimed to identify the main factors influencing PHC physicians' antibiotic decisions for URITs based on the theory of planned behavior. Methods: A convergent mixed-methods study was conducted at 30 PHC facilities across Shaanxi Province, China. A total of 108 PHC physicians completed a five-point Likert Scale questionnaire focused on behavioral components of antibiotic prescribing, including attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, belief in past experiences, and prescribing intentions. Twenty-two physicians participated in semi-structured interviews. Results:

SUBMITTER: Kadirhaz M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11591080 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature