संक्रामक रोग और निदान जर्नल

अमूर्त

Knowledge, Attitude towards Antibiotic Use, Prevalence and Associated Factors for Non-Adherence among Adult Outpatients in Public Health Facilities in Edo State, Nigeria

Ekaete A. Tobin, Martha Okonofua

Background: The observed poor prognosis in several infectious disease treatment emerging from antibiotic resistance has been attributed to failure to achieve optimum drug concentrations in vivo as a result of non-adherence to prescribed antibiotic therapy. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of non-adherence and associated factors in Nigeria.
Methods: Using a cross-sectional study design, 800 consenting attendees at adult general outpatient clinics of 5 secondary and tertiary hospitals in Edo central senatorial district, Edo State, Nigeria were interviewed using pretested questionnaires following ethical approval to conduct the study. Independent variables were socio-demographic, knowledge (good/fair/poor), attitude (positive/negative), perceived doctor's support and perceived family support. The dependent variable was non-adherence to antibiotic treatment in the past 6 months. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Chi-square test was used for bivariate analysis and significant variables analyzed with multivariate logistic regression, with statistical significance, p, set as<0.05. Results: Response rate was 100%. Majority, 360 (45.0%), had poor knowledge and 74 (50.3%) had poor attitude towards antibiotics use. One hundred and forty-seven respondents (18.4%) had received an antibiotic prescription in the last 4 months, of which 75 (51.0%) did not complete the dose, with the most common reason given as remission of symptoms (65.3%). In multivariate analysis, attitude, perceived support from doctor and family members were negatively associated with non-adherence.
Conclusion: Interventions to improve antibiotic adherence should be centred around education. clinician-patient interactions and fostering family support for the sick patient.