Reducing unnecessary antibiotic use in rural Vietnam

Generating Collective Solutions to Reduce Unnecessary Antibiotic Use in Vietnam

This study is testing different ways to help people in rural Vietnam use antibiotics more responsibly for respiratory infections by providing education and community support.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 3315 (estimated)
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Vietnam (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Nam Định)
• Trial ID: NCT04358289 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to develop and evaluate community-based interventions to address inappropriate antibiotic dispensing and usage behaviors in rural Vietnam. It employs a four-armed cluster randomized controlled trial design, with one control group and three intervention groups that include antimicrobial stewardship education, community engagement, and participatory action research. The study focuses on improving antibiotic prescribing practices for acute respiratory infections in primary healthcare settings and enhancing community awareness through educational materials. The effectiveness of these interventions will be assessed through various qualitative and quantitative measures.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are community members residing in rural communes of Vietnam with a population larger than 3000 individuals.

Not a fit: Patients living in urban areas with low agricultural engagement or those not utilizing community health centers for primary healthcare may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly reduce inappropriate antibiotic use, thereby combating antimicrobial resistance and improving public health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with community-based interventions aimed at reducing antibiotic misuse, indicating that this approach has potential for effectiveness.

Eligibility criteria

For communities:

Inclusion criteria:

* Commune officials consent to take part;
* Have a commune population larger than 3000 individuals;
* Have active Women's Union and Farmers' Union groups with a paid commune-level representative;
* Commune health centre has a doctor;
* Commune health centre has electronic database.

Exclusion criteria:

* Urban areas with a low proportion of farmers or low utilisation of CHCs for primary healthcare.

For study participants:

Inclusion criteria:

* Participant is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study;
* Community members normally resident in the study commune (living in the study commune and resident for at least three months);

Exclusion criteria:

* No one will be actively excluded from participating in this population-based study.

For Commune Health Centers:

Inclusion criteria:

* Serve a commune population larger than 3000 individuals;
* Have an average caseload of at least 10 consultations per facility per week for ARI verified by checking the database system of the provincial centre for disease control and prevention (CDC) where the implementation study is being conducted;
* Health centre doctor is normally employed at the centre and has been there for at least three months.

Exclusion criteria:

* Low antibiotic prescription rate for ARI of below 40%.

For Patient records:

Inclusion criteria:

* All patients' anonymised records.

Exclusion criteria:

* Don't have national health insurance/not recorded.

Where this trial is running

Nam Định

• Nam Dinh province — Nam Định, Vietnam (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Sonia Lewycka, Doctor

Conditions Antibiotic Use; AMR; primary health care; Antimicrobial resistance