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Akpan MR, Jackson IL, Eshiet UI, Mfon SA, Abasiattai EA. Knowledge of antimicrobial stewardship and the Access, Watch and Reserve (AWaRe) classification of antibiotics among frontline healthcare professionals in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:1014. [PMID: 39223650 PMCID: PMC11370112 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11428-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) aims to improve antibiotic use while reducing resistance and its consequences. There is a paucity of data on the availability of AMS programmes in southern Nigeria. Further, there is no data on Nigerian healthcare professionals' knowledge of the WHO 'Access, Watch and Reserve' (AWaRe) classification of antibiotics. This study sought to assess knowledge of AMS and the AWaRe classification of antibiotics among frontline healthcare professionals in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. METHODS This was a cross-sectional survey of 417 healthcare professionals, comprising medical doctors, pharmacists and nurses, across 17 public hospitals in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. A paper-based self-completion questionnaire was used to collect data from the participants during working hours between September and November 2023. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 25.0, with p < 0.05 indicating statistical significance. RESULTS Four hundred and seventeen out of the 500 healthcare professionals approached agreed to participate, giving an 83.4% response rate. Most of the participants were female (62.1%) and nurses (46.3%). Approximately 57% of participants were familiar with the term antibiotic/antimicrobial stewardship, however, only 46.5% selected the correct description of AMS. Majority (53.0%) did not know if AMS programme was available in their hospitals. 79% of participants did not know about AWaRe classification of antibiotics. Among the 87 (20.9%) who knew, 28.7% correctly identified antibiotics into the AWaRe groups from a given list. Only profession significantly predicted knowledge of AMS and awareness of the AWaRe classification of antibiotics (p < 0.001). Pharmacists were more likely to define AMS correctly than medical doctors (odds ratio [OR] = 2.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.16-3.52, p = 0.012), whereas nurses were less likely to be aware of the WHO AWaRe classification of antibiotics than medical doctors (OR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.18-0.72, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS There was a notable knowledge deficit in both AMS and the AWaRe classification of antibiotics among participants in this study. This highlights the need for educational interventions targeted at the different cadres of healthcare professionals on the role of AMS programmes in reducing antimicrobial resistance and its consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary R Akpan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Uyo, 520271, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
| | - Idongesit L Jackson
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Uyo, 520271, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
| | - Unyime I Eshiet
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Uyo, 520271, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
| | - Sediong A Mfon
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Uyo, 520271, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
| | - Ekpema A Abasiattai
- Pharmacy Department, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
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Mudenda S, Chabalenge B, Daka V, Jere E, Sefah IA, Wesangula E, Yamba K, Nyamupachitu J, Mugenyi N, Mustafa ZU, Mpundu M, Chizimu J, Chilengi R. Knowledge, awareness and practices of healthcare workers regarding antimicrobial use, resistance and stewardship in Zambia: a multi-facility cross-sectional study. JAC Antimicrob Resist 2024; 6:dlae076. [PMID: 38764535 PMCID: PMC11100357 DOI: 10.1093/jacamr/dlae076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a threat to public health globally. Despite its consequences, there is little information about the knowledge, awareness, and practices towards AMR among healthcare workers (HCWs). Therefore, this study assessed the knowledge, awareness and practices regarding antimicrobial use (AMU), AMR and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) among HCWs who are involved in the implementation of AMS activities across eight hospitals in Zambia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 64 HCWs from October to December 2023 using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 25.0. Results Of the 64 HCWs, 59.4% were females, 60.9% were aged between 25 and 34 years, 37.5% were nurses, 18.7% were pharmacists, 17.2% were medical doctors and only one was a microbiologist. Overall, 75% of the HCWs had good knowledge, 84% were highly aware and 84% had good practices regarding AMU, AMR and AMS. Most of the HCWs (90.6%) responded that they had a multidisciplinary AMS team at their hospitals and were implementing the use of the WHO AWaRe classification of antibiotics. Conclusion This study found good knowledge levels, high awareness and good practices regarding AMU, AMR and AMS among HCWs who were involved in the implementation of AMS activities in hospitals in Zambia. Additionally, most hospitals have been conducting AMS training and implementing the use of the WHO AWaRe classification of antibiotics. However, there is still a need to address some identified gaps in AMU and AMR through the strengthening of AMS activities in hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steward Mudenda
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Billy Chabalenge
- Department of Medicines Control, Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Victor Daka
- Department of Public Health, Michael Chilufya Sata School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Ndola, Zambia
| | - Elimas Jere
- Department of Medicines Control, Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Israel Abebrese Sefah
- Pharmacy Practice Department, School of Pharmacy, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Volta Region, PMB 31, Ho, Ghana
| | - Evelyn Wesangula
- Strengthening Pandemic Preparedness, Eastern, Central, and Southern Africa Health Community, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Kaunda Yamba
- Antimicrobial Resistance Coordinating Committee, Zambia National Public Health Institute, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Nathan Mugenyi
- Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Zia Ul Mustafa
- Discipline of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor, Penang, 11800, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmacy Services, District Headquarter (DHQ) Hospital, Pakpattan, 57400, Pakistan
| | - Mirfin Mpundu
- Action on Antibiotic Resistance (ReAct) Africa, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Joseph Chizimu
- Antimicrobial Resistance Coordinating Committee, Zambia National Public Health Institute, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Roma Chilengi
- Antimicrobial Resistance Coordinating Committee, Zambia National Public Health Institute, Lusaka, Zambia
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Mudenda S, Chilimboyi R, Matafwali SK, Daka V, Mfune RL, Kemgne LAM, Bumbangi FN, Hangoma J, Chabalenge B, Mweetwa L, Godman B. Hospital prescribing patterns of antibiotics in Zambia using the WHO prescribing indicators post-COVID-19 pandemic: findings and implications. JAC Antimicrob Resist 2024; 6:dlae023. [PMID: 38389802 PMCID: PMC10883698 DOI: 10.1093/jacamr/dlae023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health problem that is fuelled by the inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics, especially those from the 'watch' and 'reserve' antibiotic lists. The irrational prescribing of antibiotics is particularly prevalent in developing countries, including Zambia. Consequently, there is a need to better understand prescribing patterns across sectors in Zambia as a basis for future interventions. This study evaluated the prescribing patterns of antibiotics using the WHO prescribing indicators alongside the 'access, watch and reserve' (AWaRe) classification system post-COVID pandemic at a faith-based hospital in Zambia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2023 to October 2023 involving the review of medical records at St. Francis' Mission Hospital in Zambia. A WHO-validated tool was used to evaluate antibiotic prescribing patterns alongside the AWaRe classification tool. Results Out of 800 medical records reviewed, 2003 medicines were prescribed. Each patient received an average of 2.5 medicines per prescription. Antibiotics were prescribed in 72.3% of encounters, of which 28.4% were injectable. The most frequently prescribed antibiotics were amoxicillin (23.4%-access), metronidazole (17.1%-access), ciprofloxacin (8%-watch) and ceftriaxone (7.4%-watch), with 77.1% overall from the 'access' list. Encouragingly, 96.5% of the medicines were prescribed by their generic names and 98% were from the Zambia Essential Medicines List. Conclusions There were high rates of antibiotic prescribing, including injectable antibiotics, which needs addressing going forward. It is crucial to implement targeted measures, including antimicrobial stewardship programmes, to improve future antibiotic prescribing in Zambia and reduce the risk of AMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steward Mudenda
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, P.O. Box 50110, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Robert Chilimboyi
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, P.O. Box 50110, Lusaka, Zambia
- Department of Pharmacy, Saint Francis' Hospital, Private Bag 11, Katete, Zambia
| | - Scott Kaba Matafwali
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Victor Daka
- Department of Public Health, Michael Chilufya Sata School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, P.O. Box 71191, Ndola, Zambia
| | - Ruth Lindizyani Mfune
- Department of Public Health, Michael Chilufya Sata School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, P.O. Box 71191, Ndola, Zambia
| | | | - Flavien Nsoni Bumbangi
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine, Eden University, P.O. Box 30226, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Jimmy Hangoma
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, Levy Mwanawasa Medical University, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Billy Chabalenge
- Department of Medicines Control, Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority, P.O. Box 31890, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Larry Mweetwa
- Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Technology and Science, Maxwell House, Los Angeles Boulevard, P. O. Box 50464, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Brian Godman
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
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Harun MGD, Sumon SA, Hasan I, Akther FM, Islam MS, Anwar MMU. Barriers, facilitators, perceptions and impact of interventions in implementing antimicrobial stewardship programs in hospitals of low-middle and middle countries: a scoping review. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2024; 13:8. [PMID: 38263235 PMCID: PMC10804809 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-024-01369-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) are pivotal components of the World Health Organization's Global Action Plan to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). ASPs advocate rational antibiotic usage to enhance patient-centered outcomes. However, existing evidence on ASPs and their determinants is largely limited to well-equipped hospitals in high-income nations. OBJECTIVE This scoping review aimed to examine the current state of hospital-based ASPs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), shedding light on barriers, facilitators, prescribers' perceptions and practices, and the impact of ASP interventions. DESIGN Scoping review on ASP. METHODS Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, we conducted electronic database searches on PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, covering ASP articles published between January 2015 and October 2023. Our review focused on four key domains: barriers to ASP implementation, facilitators for establishing ASP, ASP perceptions and practices of prescribers, and the impact of ASP interventions. Three reviewers separately retrieved relevant data from the included citations using EndNote 21.0. RESULTS Among the 7016 articles searched, 84 met the inclusion criteria, representing 34 LMICs. Notably, 58% (49/84) of these studies were published after 2020. Barriers to ASP implementation, including human-resources shortage, lack of microbiology laboratory support, absence of leadership, and limited governmental support, were reported by 26% (22/84) of the studies. Facilitators for hospital ASP implementation identified in five publications included the availability of antibiotic guidelines, ASP protocol, dedicated multidisciplinary ASP committee, and prompt laboratory support. The majority of the research (63%, 53/84) explored the impacts of ASP intervention on clinical, microbiological, and economic aspects. Key outcomes included increased antibiotic prescription appropriateness, reduced antimicrobial consumption, shorter hospital stays, decreased mortality rate, and reduced antibiotic therapy cost. CONCLUSIONS The published data underscores the imperative need for widespread antimicrobial stewardship in LMIC hospital settings. Substantial ASP success can be achieved through increasing human resources, context-specific interventions, the development of accessible antibiotic usage guidelines, and heightened awareness via training and education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Golam Dostogir Harun
- Infectious Diseases Division, icddr, b, 68 Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sarani, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh.
| | - Shariful Amin Sumon
- Infectious Diseases Division, icddr, b, 68 Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sarani, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Istiaque Hasan
- Infectious Diseases Division, icddr, b, 68 Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sarani, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Fairoze Masuda Akther
- Infectious Diseases Division, icddr, b, 68 Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sarani, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
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