Prescription in peril: the sociology of antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance in low resource settings
Published in Microbiology
The escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presents a significant public health challenge, particularly in low resource settings where access to appropriate healthcare and medications is limited. While biological factors such as genetic mutations and horizontal gene transfer are fundamental drivers of AMR, the sociological forces also play a substantial role in its emergence and spread. Nevertheless, the sociology of antibiotic use, and access in low-resource settings is often overlooked. This commentary addresses the intricate sociological aspects, including sociocultural, political, and economic factors that contribute to suboptimal antibiotic use and the proliferation of AMR in these settings. Drawing on numerous reports from low- and middle-income countries, it is evident that patient health beliefs, provider prescribing practices, pharmaceutical supply chains, and broader health system weaknesses intersect to drive inappropriate antibiotic consumption. Consequently, it is imperative to develop tailored interventions that address the nuanced social dynamics perpetuating the crisis of antibiotic resistance in resource-limited’ communities.
Let's unite to promote responsible antibiotic use and support sustainable healthcare solutions. Together, we can preserve the effectiveness of these vital medicines for future generations. 💊🌟
hashtag#AntibioticResistance hashtag#PublicHealth hashtag#CommunityEngagement hashtag#Healthcare hashtag#SustainableSolutions
Follow the Topic
-
Discover Social Science and Health
Discover Social Science and Health is an open access journal publishing research across the full range of disciplines at the intersection of health, social and biomedical sciences.
Related Collections
With Collections, you can get published faster and increase your visibility.
Social, Cultural and Nature-based Prescribing for Health and Well-being across Contexts: Policy, Research and Practice
Social, Cultural and Nature-based Prescribing is an innovative approach that builds connections between individuals, healthcare and existing support resources in the community to improve health, well-being and quality of life. It stems from a growing recognition that, when health professionals are confronted with social, emotional and practical needs of patients that impact their health and well-being, exclusively clinical approaches are not enough to respond effectively to those needs, and that a preventative and health promotion approach is needed. Through a model of integrated health, social and cultural care, Social, Cultural and Nature-based Prescribing facilitates the link of individuals to existing support resources in the community through individualized responses adapted to the specific needs of each one. The answers may be promotion of healthier lifestyles (e.g. physical activity, healthy cooking), contact with nature (e.g. walking, gardening), socioeconomic support, social activation, personal and professional development (e.g. volunteering, training and employment), and cultural participation (cultural, artistic and creative activities), among many others. In this way, Social, Cultural and Nature-based Prescribing strengthens the articulation between different sectors with impact on health (e.g. social, cultural, sports, educational, urbanism, environmental), helps to optimize and enhance existing resources and contributes to health systems sustainability. As health systems worldwide strive for a patient-centred care, Social, Cultural and Nature-based Prescribing emerges as a key element to bridge medical care and the broader social determinants of health, promoting a shift towards more preventative and participatory models. This collection invites contributions to deepen the evidence base on the implementation process, outcomes and impact of Social, Cultural and Nature-based Prescribing and discuss its implications for policy, research and practice, based on experiences and lessons learned from initiatives implemented worldwide.
Keywords: Social Prescribing, Nature-based Prescribing, Arts-based Prescribing, Integrated care, Person-centred care, Health Promotion, Disease Prevention, Multisectoral action, Vulnerable populations.
This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3, SDG 10, SDG 11, and SDG 17.
Publishing Model: Open Access
Deadline: Jun 30, 2026
Health Promotion: from Qualitative to Quantitative Approaches to Social and Health Issues
We are delighted to announce the upcoming topical collection of our scientific journal, titled "Health Promotion: from Qualitative to Quantitative Approaches to Social and Health Issues" This collection will delve into the significant potential of Health Promotion strategies, employing both qualitative and quantitative approaches to address social and health-related challenges. We invite academics, researchers, and professionals to contribute original research articles, systematic reviews, and case studies that explore the intricate relationship between various interventions and overall health outcomes.
The topical collection will focus on a wide range of compelling topics, including but not limited to:
• Health Promotion and Physical Activity: Exploring the role of physical activity in preventing and managing health conditions and its impact on quality of life.
• Health Promotion and Nutrition: Investigating the influence of nutritional strategies on health promotion, including diet-based interventions and public health nutrition policies.
• Multi-professional Approach to Health Promotion: Investigating collaborative efforts among healthcare professionals from diverse disciplines to improve the effectiveness of health promotion interventions and strategies.
• The Role of Physical Exercise in biopsychological Aspects: Understanding how physical exercise contributes to mental health, quality of life and well-being, including its effects on stress, anxiety, and depression.
• Technology and Health Promotion Interventions: Evaluating digital tools and technologies in promoting health, such as mobile health apps, telehealth services, social media uses, and online health education platforms.
• Multiprofessional and interdisciplinary interventions focusing on significant socioeconomic and social aspects across different life stages.
We aim to comprehensively understand the diverse methods through which Health Promotion can address social and health issues. This topical collection will be an invaluable resource for healthcare professionals, academics, and policymakers dedicated to improving public health outcomes through innovative strategies and interventions.
We eagerly anticipate your valuable contributions and insights that will enrich this collection.
Keywords: Disease Prevention, Exercise Therapy, Health Nutrition, Health Policy, Health Promotion, Health Technology, Mental Health, Primary Prevention, Public Health, Qualitative Research
Publishing Model: Open Access
Deadline: Jun 30, 2026
Please sign in or register for FREE
If you are a registered user on Research Communities by Springer Nature, please sign in