Assessing Social Support's Mediating Effects on Rational Antimicrobial Prescribing: A Structural Equation Modeling Study of Healthcare Professionals' Behavior

Importance: The study addresses the critical issue of antimicrobial resistance, focusing on the role of social support in influencing healthcare professionals' antimicrobial prescribing behavior, a key factor in clinical practice and public health. Objective: The primary objective is to examine the mediating effects of social support on the decision-making processes of healthcare professionals regarding antimicrobial drug use, emphasizing the impact on rational prescribing within a healthcare setting. Evidence Review: The study employed a cross-sectional survey design, analyzing data from 720 healthcare professionals using Structural Equation Modeling. It reviewed how variables such as self-efficacy, knowledge and skills, and health beliefs, informed by theories like RAT, TPB, and HBM, mediate the influence of social support. Findings: The SEM analysis demonstrated significant mediating effects of social support on prescribing intentions through various psychosocial factors. The results offer quantitative insights into the relationships between social support and critical psychological determinants of prescribing behavior. Conclusions and Relevance: The findings elucidate the nuanced impact of social support on antimicrobial prescribing decisions, providing evidence-based insights for enhancing antimicrobial stewardship. This study informs clinicians and policymakers about the significance of social support in promoting rational antimicrobial use.