Antibiotics prescribing pattern in the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Inappropriate use of antibiotics is a global public health challenge and is commonly associated with antibiotic resistance. Due to this challenge, attempts are being made using the World Health Organization core indicators as models to correct the anomalies. The study therefore evaluates the prescribing patterns of clinicians in the general out-patient Department of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital. Ilorin, Kwara State.

Methods: Descriptive retrospective assessment of prescriptions was carried out at the out-patient Department of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital. Ilorin, Kwara State. Antibiotic prescriptions were randomly selected and assessed. The data were entered and computed in form of descriptive statistics presented as numbers, bar charts and percentages frequencies using Microsoft Excel Package and Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 20.

Results: Out of the nine hundred and twenty-five (925) prescriptions assessed, 295 (31.9%) contained at least one antibiotic. The total number of antibiotics in these prescriptions were 379. The commonly prescribed antibiotics were Amoxicillin/Clavulanate 85 (22.4%), Metronidazole 72 (22.0%) and Ciprofloxacin 49 (12.9%). The least prescribed antibiotics were Clindamycin, Levofloxacin and Secnidazole. The total expenditure on antibiotics during the study period was N369,110. Pattern of core prescribing indicators were: number of drugs prescribed per encounter 3.20±0.75, drugs in generics 49.80%, drugs in the hospital formulary 99.00%, average cost 973.00±6.51, availability 94%, and most frequent duration 7 days.

Conclusion: The study has shown that the prescribing patterns were within the recommended core indicators. It is therefore recommended that there should be improved practice to achieve satisfactory therapy and prevent occurrence of resistance.