Table 1 Characteristics of the included studies

Erku et al. (2018) [24]

Ethiopia

In depth-interview

13

Pharmacist/ Pharmacy assistant

To examine motivations behind dispensing antibiotics without prescription

Gebretekele et al. (2016) [40]

Ethiopia

In depth-interview

5

Pharmacist/ Pharmacy assistant/druggist

To explore reasons for OTC sales of antibiotics

Salim et al. (2017) [41]

Sudan

Face to face interview

30

Pharmacist

To explore reasons for non-prescription sales of antibiotics

Dillip et al. (2015) [39]

Tanzania

In depth-interview

84

Dispensers-owner and only dispenser

To explore the motivations for antibiotic dispensing

Bahnassi et al. (2015) [46]

Syria

Semi-structured face to face interview -

147

Pharmacist

To explore attitudes and practices in regard to antibiotic dispensing without prescription

Asghar et al. (2020) [42]

Pakistan

In depth interview

16

Pharmacy workers

To investigate the reasons that drive the inappropriate dispensing of antibiotics

Barker et al. (2017) [43]

India

In depth- Interview

20

Pharmacy workers

To explore factors that drive inappropriate antibiotic dispensing

Nga et al. (2014) [48]

Vietnam

Focus group discussion and in-depth interview

6

Pharmacy staff

To explore factors that impact inappropriate antibiotic dispensing

Kotwani et al. (2014) [44]

India

Focus group discussion

40

Pharmacist

To understand the antibiotics dispensing practices and behaviour

Kotb et al. (2018) [47]

Egypt

In depth-interview

25

Pharmacist

To explore the underlying causes of the sales of antibiotics without prescriptions

Saleem et al. (2019) [45]

Pakistan

In depth-interview

12

Pharmacist

To explore the determinants of AMR and the pattern of antimicrobial dispensing

Wang et al. (2020) [49]

China

In depth-interview

44

Key informants (pharmacists, FDA officials, residents)

To explore the determinants of non-prescription dispensing of antibiotics