Intelligence

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Knowledge, attitude, and practice of antifungal resistance and stewardship among pharmacy students in Zambia: a cross-sectional study to inform antifungal stewardship programs

Source
Frontiers in Education
Published
Last verified
17 Aug 2026
Confidence
Moderate
Evidence
Original document retained
Reading time
1 min
Country
International
Relevant to
Research & Evidence, Technology & Data, Risk & Compliance

Executive summary

What happened, and why should leadership care?

A cross-sectional study in Zambia assessed pharmacy students' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding antifungal resistance (AFR) and antifungal stewardship (AFS). This research is critical given the growing global health threat posed by AFR, especially in low- and middle-income countries where antifungal access is often unregulated. The study aimed to inform the development of effective AFS programs by understanding the baseline awareness and behaviors of future pharmacists.

Why this matters

Why is this strategically important?

Antifungal resistance poses a significant global health security risk, potentially undermining medical treatments and increasing morbidity and mortality. Understanding the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of future healthcare professionals is crucial for developing targeted educational and policy interventions to mitigate this threat and ensure responsible antimicrobial stewardship.

Key insights

What should be noted from the evidence?

  • Antifungal resistance (AFR) represents an increasing global health concern.
  • Low- and middle-income countries, such as Zambia, face particular challenges due to often unregulated access to antifungals.
  • Antifungal Stewardship (AFS) programs are designed to optimize antifungal utilization.
  • There is a recognized data gap concerning pharmacy students' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding AFR and AFS.
  • The study specifically evaluated the KAP of pharmacy students in Zambia to address this data gap and inform AFS program development.

Evidence and confidence

How far can this assessment be trusted?

Moderate confidence. Provenance established; supporting evidence remains partial.

Analysis is prepared editorially by Aziz Shuaib Ausi. The original publication remains the authoritative record, and executive judgement remains entirely human.

Source

Where does this originate?

Reported by Frontiers in Education · International. This briefing summarises the publication for executive use; the document itself is not reproduced here.

Read the original publication