Research Article | 18 Mar 2020

Prescription of antibiotics as a source of emerging antibiotic resistance: Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of medical staff in the Dassa-Glazoué and Savalou-Bantè's health zones (Benin, West Africa)

Victorien Dougnon1, Yossounon Chabi2, Hornel Koudokpon1, Jerrold Agbankpe1, Richard Sefounon1, Didier Alle1, Honoré Bankole1, and Lamine Baba-Moussa3Show more
1. Research Unit in Applied Microbiology and Pharmacology of natural substances, Research Laboratory in Applied Biology, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin.
2. Department of Pharmacies, Drugs and Diagnosis, Ministry of Health, Benin.
3. Laboratory of Biology and Molecular Typing in Microbiology, Department of Biology and Cell Biology, University of Abomey, Benin.

Corresponding author: Victorien Dougnon (victorien.dougnon@gmail.com)

Received: 29-11-2019, Accepted: 17-01-2020, Published: 18-03-2020

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ONE HEALTH | pg no. 34-40 | Vol. 6, Issue 1 | DOI: 10.14202/IJOH.2020.34-40
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Abstract

              
Background and Aim: Antibiotics have been some great effective molecules against infections since their discovery. The excessive use and misuse of antibiotics have resulted in a selection of antibiotic-resistant strains. Among the reasons involved, the prescription of antibiotics can be important. The present study aimed to contribute to the reduction of antibiotic resistance due to the misuse of antibiotics.
Materials and Methods: A knowledge, attitude, and practice survey of health professionals from Savalou-Bante (230) and Dassa-Glazoué (100) health zones was performed about the prescription of antibiotics.
Results: About 53% of respondents in the health zone of Savalou-Bantè were assistant nursing and only 3% of them were specialized physicians. The other respondents were physicians (3%), midwives (10%), and nurses (31%). Forty-five percent of the respondents were nurses and only 5% of them were specialized physicians in Savalou-Bantè. However, all these health professionals prescribe antibiotics. The first-line antibiotics prescribed were penicillins, cephalosporins, macrolides, aminoglycosides, and quinolones. These health professionals usually have no knowledge of the mechanism of action of these antibiotics. The antibiotics prescribed mostly were for ear, nose, and throat and upper respiratory infections (80% in Dassa-Glazoué and 79% in Savalou-Bantè). The most commonly used dosage form was tablets (58%) in the health zone of Savalou-Bantè and the injectable form in the sanitary zone of Dassa-Glazouè.
Conclusion: It is important to implement a policy of rational use of antibiotics to reduce the excessive and misuse of antibiotics and prevent antibiotic resistance. Keywords: antibiotics, health professionals, knowledge, prescription.

             
Keywords: antibiotics, health professionals, knowledge, prescription.