Reuben Kiggundu, J P Waswa, Fahad Lwigale, Herman Mwanja, Mackline Hope, Conrad Tumwine, Rodgers Rodriguez Ayebare, Andrew Kambugu, Dathan M Byonanebye, Francis Kakooza
Self-care strategies and interventions enhance early infection detection and management, promote appropriate antimicrobial use, and reduce pressure on health systems. However, effective implementation is hindered by limited access to reliable AMR information, risks of misdiagnosis and antibiotic misuse, privacy concerns, and behavioral challenges.
BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global health threat, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries where fragile health systems struggle to respond effectively. Self-care strategies and interventions present a complementary approach to support antimicrobial stewardship by empowering individuals to prevent and manage infections with appropriate tools and guidance.
OBJECTIVE AND KEY CONCEPTS: This narrative review provides an interpretive synthesis of the role of self-care strategies and interventions in AMR containment, focusing on five core self-care strategies: self-awareness through AMR education, self-testing using rapid diagnostics, guided self-treatment with quality-assured medicines, self-monitoring via digital tools, and structured self-management under professional oversight. Digital health and community health systems are self-care interventions that enable self-care strategies.
FINDINGS: Self-care strategies and interventions enhance early infection detection and management, promote appropriate antimicrobial use, and reduce pressure on health systems. However, effective implementation is hindered by limited access to reliable AMR information, risks of misdiagnosis and antibiotic misuse, privacy concerns, and behavioral challenges.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Integrating self-care into national programs is essential. Policymakers should prioritize policy integration, standardized guidance, regulation, infrastructure development, and research on self-care strategies and interventions. Self-care support programs should translate these priorities into community-level interventions through education, capacity building, and access initiatives. Telehealth providers can facilitate the safe use of digital tools and remote support, caregivers should promote correct practices and adherence, and self-carers should engage in informed self-care and provide feedback.