Pattern of Antibiotics prescription in a tertiary hospital in Delta state, Nigeria.

Abstract

Background: Antibiotics are drugs commonly used in hospitals but are prescribed inappropriately in most cases. This has led to the emergence of bacterial resistance and an increase in the cost of treatment.
Drug utilization studies are intended to provide
information on prescription patterns to ensure
rational drug use.

Objective: The study aimed at describing antibiotic
prescription patterns in Delta State University
Teaching Hospital, Delta State, Nigeria.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was
conducted on antibiotic prescriptions pattern at
Delta State University Teaching Hospital using 17
core quantitative prescribing indicators which
determined the availability of a Standard Treatment
Guidelines and Essential Medicine List at the facility.
The study was conducted for a period of six months.
A total of 420 prescriptions were studied. Data
collected was analyzed using SPSS version 23. Results
were presented as frequency (percentages), mean,
tables and charts.

Results: The average number of antibiotics
prescribed per encounter (ANAPE) was found to be
1.49, with an average cost of NGN 2404 per
hospitalization. The percentage of prescriptions by
generics was 58.65%. The prevalence of
inappropriate prescription was found in 67.5% of
patients. The most commonly prescribed class of
antibiotics were Cephalosporin 149(23.8%),
Nitroimidazole 150(23.93%), and Penicillin
134(21.36%). In-depth interviews of the health
professionals revealed factors that influenced
antibiotic prescription pattern including: diagnosis
uncertainty, doctor’s hierarchy, external influence by
manufacturer among others.

Conclusion: There was inappropriate prescription of
antibiotics with increased risk of developing
resistance hence increasing financial burden on
patient. Intervention programs, strategies, policies,
and reforms should be put in place to address this
problem