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Knowledge, attitude, and prescribing practices of antimicrobials among doctors in the outpatient departments of Lagos university teaching hospital Idi-Araba: A cross sectional study
Babatunde Akodu1, Raheem Bisola2, Ladi-Akinyemi Temitope2, Lawal Abdulrazzaq3, Oshun Philip4, Baiyeroju Ibukunoluwa5, Orumbie Patrick5, Olokodana-Adesalu Olufunmilayo5, Oyeleke Ganiya6, Osuagwu Chioma4, Oduyebo Oyinlola4
1 Department of Community Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Lagos; Department of Family Medicine, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Nigeria
2 Department of Community Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
3 Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Lagos and Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Nigeria
4 Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos and Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Nigeria
5 Department of Family Medicine, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Nigeria
6 Department of Medicine, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Nigeria
Correspondence Address:
Dr. Babatunde Akodu
Department of Community Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos and Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Lagos
Nigeria
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/jcls.jcls_32_21
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Background: Antimicrobial prescription becomes inappropriate when there is overprescribing, unsuitable dosage and when patients do not complete their treatments. In the outpatient settings, irrational prescription of antibiotics is more evident and has led to the development of resistance, adverse reactions, and increased health care costs. Understanding the knowledge, driving forces and practices of prescribing antibiotics is a step towards ensuring rational use of antibiotics. The study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of antimicrobial prescription among doctors in the outpatient departments of Lagos University Teaching Hospital Idi-Araba. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted consecutively among 259 doctors in the outpatient departments of LUTH. Data entry and analysis were performed using Epi info software version 7. The level of statistical significance was at P < 0.05. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 33.5 ± 6.9 years. Majority of the respondents were males (58.7%). One-third (39%) had between 6 and 10 years of work experience. One-fifth (20.8%) of the respondents were from the department of surgery. Almost all (98.8%) had an overall good knowledge of antibiotics. Majority, (95.4%) had a good attitude towards prescribing. Two-third (63%) requested for a laboratory test before prescribing. However, less than half (44.4%) prescribed based on guidelines and more than half (56.8%) had received trainings on antibiotics prescriptions. Two-third (63.7%) of the respondents had good prescribing practices. There was a statistically significant association between the years of work experience and knowledge of prescribing antibiotics (P = 0.036). Conclusion: Majority had good knowledge and positive attitude toward prescribing. The severity of infection, availability of the drug, cost of the drug, and clinical response of the patients were the major predictors of antimicrobial prescription of the respondents. Antimicrobial stewardship programs should be enhanced and antibiotic surveillance should be improved.
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