The pattern of antibiotic use in an urban slum in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Misuse of antibiotics has the potential of promoting the development of resistant strains ofinfective agents, thus resulting in increased morbidity and mortality as well as healthcare costs. Objectives: To assess the patterns of antibiotic use and the impact of socio-demographic variables on theobserved patterns in Itedo community in Lagos State, Nigeria. Methods: The research involved a cross-sectional survey among adults 15 years and above in Itedo, an urbanslum in Lagos state, Nigeria. Close-ended, structured questionnaires were used for the study. Data collectioninvolved a multi-stage sampling method. Data analyses were done with the aid of SPSS version 15.0 software.Chi-squared test of association was used to test for associations between variables at 95% CI Results: The level of self-medication ranged from 44.3%-79.2% (for the four most commonly used antibiotics inthe community), while the level of non-adherence to antibiotic therapy was found to be 63.4% . Reasonsmentioned for non-adherence included lack of understanding of dosage instructions by dispensers from thevarious sources of purchase (86.9%) and improvement in respondent's health condition(41.2%). The level ofeducation of the respondent was found to be statistically significant in the determination of the source ofantibiotic purchase. Conclusion: Self-medication and a high level of non-adherence to antibiotic regimen were common in Itedocommunity. The documentation of the irrational use of antibiotics by adults in Itedo provides a basis forintervention on more rational use of antibiotics in this community. Key words: Antibiotic, Adherence, Urban Slum, Rational Use