DHAKA, Oct 9, 2024 (BSS) - A recent study conducted by icddr,b has suggested the crucial role of media in shaping public perception and awareness on how antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Researchers from icddr,b conducted the study in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of the Government of Bangladesh, Directorate General of Health Services, Sir Salimullah Medical College and Mitford Hospital, University of Massachusetts Amherst, the USA, and University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.

The research titled "The portrayal of antimicrobial resistance in Bangladeshi newspapers during 2010-2021: Toward understanding the narrative," sheds light on how AMR has been reported in Bangladeshi mainstream newspapers over the past decade, an icddr,b press release said. 

The study analysed 275 AMR-related news articles from twelve leading Bangladeshi newspapers-six in English and six in Bangla-between January 2010 and September 2021. The newspapers included Prothom Alo, Ittefaq, Jugantor, KalerKantho, Samakal, Daily Star, New Age, Financial Express, Janakantha, Naya Diganta, BhorerKagoj and Daily Sun.

These newspapers were selected based on their high daily circulation numbers and prominence in the media landscape, as outlined by sources from the Department of Films and Publications, Government of Bangladesh, 2018. The articles included reports, editorials, and opinion pieces.

Dr Tahmidul Haque, the lead author of the study and Research Investigator at icddr,b's Health Systems and Population Studies Division, said: "Our study underscores the importance of accurate AMR reporting to inform and educate the public. We need valid and consistent AMR news coverage to create awareness, hold healthcare providers accountable, and support national action plans."

She said increasing the number of Bangla articles with scientific information and responsible reporting would greatly benefit public understanding.

The study revealed that the most frequently reported issues related to AMR were the misuse of antibiotics by consumers, which accounted for 32.2% of the articles; the sale of antibiotics without prescriptions, covered in 29% of the articles; and over-prescription by healthcare providers, which appeared in 26.1% of the articles.

An important aspect of AMR coverage that could benefit from more attention is the role of pharmaceutical companies. Specifically, the impact of pharmaceutical practices, such as incentivising doctors to prescribe certain antibiotics, influences the rise of AMR.

The study found that nearly 45 per cent of the articles were event-oriented, such as those responding to World Health Organization reports on AMR, rather than providing ongoing, in-depth analysis of AMR issues. This event-driven focus means that AMR is often only highlighted during specific incidents, leaving a void in sustained public education and awareness.

Bangladesh, with a population of over 160 million, is experiencing a significant rise in antimicrobial resistance. According to recent data, resistance rates among common pathogens are alarmingly high, posing a substantial regional and global threat, necessitating urgent measures to mitigate the spread of AMR. For instance, E. coli-a bacterium responsible for various infections including urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal infections, and sepsis-has shown resistance rates of 94.6% to Ampicillin, 67.1% to Amoxiclav, 65.2% to Ciprofloxacin, and 72% to Co-trimoxazole. 

These high resistance levels pose a severe threat to public health, as they limit the effectiveness of standard treatments, leading to prolonged illnesses, higher medical costs, and increased mortality rates.
To enhance coverage, journalists are encouraged to investigate and report on how pharmaceutical practices may contribute to antibiotic resistance. Such reporting can provide essential context and deepen public understanding of AMR. 

In addition, it is important for journalists to collaborate with healthcare experts, researchers, and public health officials to ensure that their reports are scientifically accurate and informed by the latest research. This is particularly important for Bangla-language media, where increasing the number of detailed, scientifically grounded articles can significantly improve public awareness and understanding of AMR.

Antimicrobial resistance is a significant global public health threat. In 2014 alone, AMR was associated with 700,000 deaths globally. The World Health Organization predicts that up to 10 million people could die annually from antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections by 2050. 

Asia and Africa are projected to bear the brunt, with nearly 9 million of these deaths, causing significant economic losses amounting to USD 210 trillion or 7% of GDP by 2050. Moreover, an estimated 24 million people could fall below the poverty line due to excessive out-of-pocket healthcare expenses related to AMR, further hindering the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals.