An Analysis of Determinants in Antimicrobial Use by Physicians in Ogun State, South West Nigeria

Introduction: The increasing rates of antimicrobial resistance on the part of pathogens are gradually becoming a pandemic, this has to be curbed to reduce mortality.

Background: The vast majority of antimicrobials currently in use are prescribed by Physicians. The Physicians act as a gateway in the control and use of life saving medications such as antimicrobials, attention must be paid towards antimicrobial stewardship and rational antimicrobial use.

Methods: This was a cross sectional survey of clinicians at 3 tertiary hospitals in Nigeria. A self-administered structured Questionnaire containing 25 questions was given to the respondents to complete to assess the level of knowledge of physicians in antimicrobial use.

Results: The following were found to be statistically significant – Physicians in the Public hospitals were more likely to collect specimens for microbiology analysis before commencing antibiotics – p = 0.02, Odds Ratio (O.R) = 2.61, Risk Ratio (R.R) = 1.47, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.16 – 5.80, Chi Square (χ2) = 1.47, a slightly higher likelihood of Physicians in the Private Tertiary Hospital having a Clinical Microbiologist in their hospital – p = 0. 00, O.R = 0.08, R.R = 0.25, CI = 0.05 – 0.99, χ2 = 4.55.

Discussion: Targeting rational interventions via educating physicians on antimicrobial use has had an established positive impact in curbing antimicrobial resistance in hospitals.

Conclusion: Training programs on antimicrobial use need to be strengthened.