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Otieku E, Kurtzhals JAL, Fenny AP, Ofori AO, Labi AK, Enemark U. Healthcare provider cost of antimicrobial resistance in two teaching hospitals in Ghana. Health Policy Plan 2024; 39:178-187. [PMID: 38048336 PMCID: PMC11020270 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czad114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the healthcare provider costs of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in lower-middle-income countries would motivate healthcare facilities to prioritize reducing the AMR burden. This study evaluates the extra length of stay and the associated healthcare provider costs due to AMR to estimate the potential economic benefits of AMR prevention strategies. We combined data from a parallel cohort study with administrative data from the participating hospitals. The parallel cohort study prospectively matched a cohort of patients with bloodstream infections caused by third-generation cephalosporin-resistant enterobacteria and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (AMR cohort) with two control arms: patients infected with similar susceptible bacteria and a cohort of uninfected controls. Data collection took place from June to December 2021. We calculated the cost using aggregated micro-costing and step-down costing approaches and converted costs into purchasing power parity in international US dollars, adjusting for surviving patients, bacterial species and cost centres. We found that the AMR cohort spent a mean of 4.2 extra days (95% CI: 3.7-4.7) at Hospital 1 and 5.5 extra days (95% CI: 5.1-5.9) at Hospital 2 compared with the susceptible cohort. This corresponds to an estimated mean extra cost of $823 (95% CI: 812-863) and $946 (95% CI: US$929-US$964) per admission, respectively. For both hospitals, the estimated mean annual extra cost attributable to AMR was approximately US$650 000. The cost varies by organism and type of resistance expressed. The result calls for prioritization of interventions to mitigate the spread of AMR in Ghana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evans Otieku
- Economics Division, Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 74, Accra 233, Ghana
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Batholins Alle 1, Building No. 1261, Aarhus 8000, Denmark
| | - Joergen Anders Lindholm Kurtzhals
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 1165, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen 1165, Denmark
| | - Ama Pokuaa Fenny
- Economics Division, Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 74, Accra 233, Ghana
| | - Alex Owusu Ofori
- Laboratory Services Directorate, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi 233, Ghana
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi 233, Ghana
| | - Appiah-Korang Labi
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospita, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra 233, Ghana
| | - Ulrika Enemark
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Batholins Alle 1, Building No. 1261, Aarhus 8000, Denmark
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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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Massele A, Rogers AM, Gabriel D, Mayanda A, Magoma S, Cook A, Chigome A, Lorenzetti G, Meyer JC, Moore CE, Godman B, Minzi O. A Narrative Review of Recent Antibiotic Prescribing Practices in Ambulatory Care in Tanzania: Findings and Implications. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:2195. [PMID: 38138298 PMCID: PMC10745081 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59122195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Background and objectives: There are concerns with the current prescribing practices of antibiotics in ambulatory care in Tanzania, including both the public and private sectors. These concerns need to be addressed as part of the national action plan (NAP) of Tanzania to reduce rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR) rates. Issues and concerns include high rates of prescribing of antibiotics for essentially self-limiting conditions. Consequently, there is a need to address this. As a result, the aims of this narrative review were to comprehensively summarize antibiotic utilization patterns particularly in ambulatory care and their rationale in Tanzania and to suggest ways forward to improve future prescribing practices. Materials and Methods: We undertook a narrative review of recently published studies and subsequently documented potential activities to improve future prescribing practices. Potential activities included instigating quality indicators and antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs). Results: Published studies have shown that antibiotics are being excessively prescribed in ambulatory care in Tanzania, in up to 95% to 96.3% of presenting cases depending on the sector. This is despite concerns with their appropriateness. High rates of antibiotic prescribing are not helped by variable adherence to current treatment guidelines. There have also been concerns with extensive prescribing of 'Watch' antibiotics in the private sector. Overall, the majority of antibiotics prescribed across the sectors, albeit inappropriately, were typically from the 'Access' group of antibiotics in the AWaRe (Access/Watch/Reserve) classification rather than 'Watch' antibiotics to limit AMR. The inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics in ambulatory care is linked to current knowledge regarding antibiotics, AMR, and ASPs among both prescribers and patients. Recommended activities for the future include improved education for all groups, the instigation of updated quality indicators, and the regular monitoring of prescribing practices against agreed-upon guidelines and indicators. Education for healthcare professionals on ASPs should start at undergraduate level and continue post qualification. Community advocacy on the rational use of antibiotics should also include social media activities to dispel misinformation. Conclusion: The quality of current prescribing practices of antibiotics in ambulatory care is sub-optimal in Tanzania. This needs to be urgently addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amos Massele
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Hubert Kairuki Memorial University, 70 Chwaku Road Mikocheni, Dar Es Salaam P.O. Box 65300, Tanzania
| | - Anastasia Martin Rogers
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Hubert Kairuki Memorial University, 70 Chwaku Road Mikocheni, Dar Es Salaam P.O. Box 65300, Tanzania; (A.M.R.); (D.G.); (A.M.)
| | - Deogratias Gabriel
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Hubert Kairuki Memorial University, 70 Chwaku Road Mikocheni, Dar Es Salaam P.O. Box 65300, Tanzania; (A.M.R.); (D.G.); (A.M.)
| | - Ashura Mayanda
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Hubert Kairuki Memorial University, 70 Chwaku Road Mikocheni, Dar Es Salaam P.O. Box 65300, Tanzania; (A.M.R.); (D.G.); (A.M.)
| | - Sarah Magoma
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Dodoma, Dodoma P.O. Box 582, Tanzania;
| | - Aislinn Cook
- Centre for Neonatal and Paediatric Infection, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George’s University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK; (A.C.); (G.L.); (C.E.M.)
- Health Economics Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 2JD, UK
| | - Audrey Chigome
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa (J.C.M.)
| | - Giulia Lorenzetti
- Centre for Neonatal and Paediatric Infection, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George’s University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK; (A.C.); (G.L.); (C.E.M.)
| | - Johanna C. Meyer
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa (J.C.M.)
- South African Vaccination and Immunisation Centre, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa
| | - Catrin E. Moore
- Centre for Neonatal and Paediatric Infection, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George’s University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK; (A.C.); (G.L.); (C.E.M.)
| | - Brian Godman
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa (J.C.M.)
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
| | - Omary Minzi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, United Nations Rd, Dar Es Salaam P.O. Box 65013, Tanzania;
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Alam M, Saleem Z, Haseeb A, Qamar MU, Sheikh A, Almarzoky Abuhussain SS, Iqbal MS, Raees F, Chigome A, Cook A, Moore CE, Mustafa ZU, Salman M, Saleh U, Shabbir S, Godman B. Tackling antimicrobial resistance in primary care facilities across Pakistan: Current challenges and implications for the future. J Infect Public Health 2023; 16 Suppl 1:97-110. [PMID: 37973496 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2023.10.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotics are gradually becoming less effective against bacteria worldwide, and this issue is of particular concern in economically-developing nations like Pakistan. We undertook a scoping review in order to review the literature on antimicrobial use, prescribing, dispensing and the challenges associated with antimicrobial resistance in primary care (PC) settings in Pakistan. Furthermore, this review aims to identify potential solutions to promote appropriate use of antimicrobials in Pakistan. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist, a comprehensive scoping review was conducted to review the literature of antimicrobials used, prescribed and dispensed in PC settings in Pakistan. Google Scholar and Pub-Med were searched for the period 2000-2023. Papers were analyzed on the basis of eligibility i.e., included antimicrobial use, prescribing and dispensing practices by general population at homes, by prescribers in outpatient departments of hospitals and by pharmacists/dispensers in community pharmacies, respectively. Two researchers analyzed the articles thoroughly and disagreements were resolved through discussion with a third reviewer. Both quantitative and qualitative research studies were eligible for inclusion. Additionally, the selected papers were grouped into different themes. We identified 4070 papers out of which 46 studies satisfied our eligibility criteria. The findings revealed limited understanding of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by physicians and community pharmacists along with inappropriate practices in prescribing and dispensing antibiotics. Moreover, a notable prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics was observed among the general population, underscoring a lack of awareness and knowledge concerning proper antibiotic usage. Given the clinical and public health implications of AMR, Pakistan must prioritize its policies in PC settings. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) need to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescribing and dispensing, improve their understanding of the AWaRe (access, watch and reserve antibiotics) classification and guidance, monitor current usage and resistance trends, as well as implement antimicrobial stewardship (ASP) activities starting in targeted locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muniba Alam
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan
| | - Zikria Saleem
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan.
| | - Abdul Haseeb
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Usman Qamar
- Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals and Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Aziz Sheikh
- Usher Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Teviot Place, Edinburgh EH16 4UX, UK
| | | | - Muhammad Shahid Iqbal
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahad Raees
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 24382, Saudi Arabia
| | - Audrey Chigome
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa
| | - Aislinn Cook
- Centre for Neonatal and Paediatric Infection, Institute of Infection and Immunity, St. George's University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK; Health Economics Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 2JD, UK
| | - Catrin E Moore
- Centre for Neonatal and Paediatric Infection, Institute of Infection and Immunity, St. George's University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Zia-Ul- Mustafa
- Department of Pharmacy Services, District Headquarter Hospital, Pakpattan, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Salman
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical and Allied Health Sciences, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Umar Saleh
- University College of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Sana Shabbir
- University College of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - 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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Boltena MT, Woldie M, Siraneh Y, Steck V, El-Khatib Z, Morankar S. Adherence to evidence-based implementation of antimicrobial treatment guidelines among prescribers in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Pharm Policy Pract 2023; 16:137. [PMID: 37936215 PMCID: PMC10629154 DOI: 10.1186/s40545-023-00634-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adherence to evidence-based standard treatment guidelines (STGs) enable healthcare providers to deliver consistently appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Irrational use of antimicrobials significantly contributes to antimicrobial resistance in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The best available evidence is needed to guide healthcare providers on adherence to evidence-based implementation of STGs. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of adherence to evidence-based implementation of antimicrobial treatment guidelines among prescribers in SSA. METHODS The review followed the JBI methodology for systematic reviews of prevalence data. CINAHL, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched with no language and publication year limitations. STATA version 17 were used for meta-analysis. The publication bias and heterogeneity were assessed using Egger's test and the I2 statistics. Heterogeneity and publication bias were validated using Duval and Tweedie's nonparametric trim and fill analysis using the random-effect analysis. The summary prevalence and the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) of healthcare professionals' compliance with evidence-based implementation of STG were estimated using random effect model. The review protocol has been registered with PROSPERO code CRD42023389011. The PRISMA flow diagram and checklist were used to report studies included, excluded and their corresponding section in the manuscript. RESULTS Twenty-two studies with a total of 17,017 study participants from 14 countries in sub-Saharan Africa were included. The pooled prevalence of adherence to evidence-based implementation of antimicrobial treatment guidelines in SSA were 45%. The pooled prevalence of the most common clinical indications were respiratory tract (35%) and gastrointestinal infections (18%). Overall prescriptions per wards were inpatients (14,413) and outpatients (12,845). Only 391 prescribers accessed standard treatment guidelines during prescription of antimicrobials. CONCLUSIONS Healthcare professionals' adherence to evidence-based implementation of STG for antimicrobial treatment were low in SSA. Healthcare systems in SSA must make concerted efforts to enhance prescribers access to STGs through optimization of mobile clinical decision support applications. Innovative, informative, and interactive strategies must be in place by the healthcare systems in SSA to empower healthcare providers to make evidence-based clinical decisions informed by the best available evidence and patient preferences, to ultimately improving patient outcomes and promoting appropriate antimicrobial use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minyahil Tadesse Boltena
- Ethiopian Evidence Based Health Care Centre: A Joanna Briggs Institute Center of Excellence, Faculty of Public Health, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia.
- Knowledge Translation Division, Knowledge Management Directorate, Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Mirkuzie Woldie
- Ethiopian Evidence Based Health Care Centre: A Joanna Briggs Institute Center of Excellence, Faculty of Public Health, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
- University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Yibeltal Siraneh
- Ethiopian Evidence Based Health Care Centre: A Joanna Briggs Institute Center of Excellence, Faculty of Public Health, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Veronica Steck
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Life Sciences, McGill University, McGill, Montreal, Canada
| | - Ziad El-Khatib
- Global Public Health Department, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- World Health Programme, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT), Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sudhakar Morankar
- Ethiopian Evidence Based Health Care Centre: A Joanna Briggs Institute Center of Excellence, Faculty of Public Health, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
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Chigome A, Ramdas N, Skosana P, Cook A, Schellack N, Campbell S, Lorenzetti G, Saleem Z, Godman B, Meyer JC. A Narrative Review of Antibiotic Prescribing Practices in Primary Care Settings in South Africa and Potential Ways Forward to Reduce Antimicrobial Resistance. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1540. [PMID: 37887241 PMCID: PMC10604704 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12101540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
There are concerns with the current prescribing of antibiotics in both the private and public primary care settings in South Africa. These concerns need to be addressed going forward to reduce rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR) rates in South Africa. Concerns include adherence to current prescribing guidelines. Consequently, there is a need to comprehensively summarise current antibiotic utilization patterns from published studies as well as potential activities to improve prescribing, including indicators and antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs). Published studies showed that there was an appreciable prescribing of antibiotics for patients with acute respiratory infections, i.e., 52.9% to 78% or more across the sectors. However, this was not universal, with appreciable adherence to prescribing guidelines in community health centres. Encouragingly, the majority of antibiotics prescribed, albeit often inappropriately, were from the 'Access' group of antibiotics in the AWaRe (Access/Watch/Reserve) classification rather than 'Watch' antibiotics to limit AMR. Inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics in primary care is not helped by concerns with current knowledge regarding antibiotics, AMR and ASPs among prescribers and patients in primary care. This needs to be addressed going forward. However, studies have shown it is crucial for prescribers to use a language that patients understand when discussing key aspects to enhance appropriate antibiotic use. Recommended activities for the future include improved education for all groups as well as regularly monitoring prescribing against agreed-upon guidelines and indicators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Chigome
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa; (N.R.); (S.C.); (J.C.M.)
| | - Nishana Ramdas
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa; (N.R.); (S.C.); (J.C.M.)
| | - Phumzile Skosana
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Molotlegi Street, Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria 0208, South Africa;
| | - Aislinn Cook
- Centre for Neonatal and Paediatric Infection, Institute of Infection and Immunity, St. George’s University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK; (A.C.); (G.L.)
- Health Economics Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 2JD, UK
| | - Natalie Schellack
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0084, South Africa;
| | - Stephen Campbell
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa; (N.R.); (S.C.); (J.C.M.)
- Centre for Epidemiology and Public Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Giulia Lorenzetti
- Centre for Neonatal and Paediatric Infection, Institute of Infection and Immunity, St. George’s University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK; (A.C.); (G.L.)
| | - Zikria Saleem
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan;
| | - Brian Godman
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa; (N.R.); (S.C.); (J.C.M.)
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
| | - Johanna C. Meyer
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa; (N.R.); (S.C.); (J.C.M.)
- South African Vaccination and Immunisation Centre, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Molotlegi Street, Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria 0208, South Africa
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