Antimicrobial Consumption in Community Pharmacies in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Unnecessary antibiotic use is a major cause of emergence of antimicrobial resistance. The complex mechanisms associating antibiotic use and resistance are further complicated by irrational prescribing and antimicrobial overuse. Objective: This research investigated antimicrobial consumption practices, and cost expenditures in the community including the resultant effects among patients who purchased drugs from pharmacies in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in 38 community pharmacies using a two-stage cluster sampling method from the mapped political wards (11) in Uyo city. A total of 660 questionnaires were distributed to patients over 3-months. Data was analyzed using SPSS Version 23.0. Results were presented as tables and charts. Results: A total of 546 respondents participated in the study achieving a response rate of 82.7%. The most commonly consumed antimicrobials were antibiotics 385 (54.8%) followed by antimalarials 246 (35.0%). In the class of antibiotics, fluoroquinolones 179 (23.28%) and beta- lactams 157 (20.42%) were frequently purchased. The antimicrobial encounter rate was different (P<0.05) among the pharmacies with mean value of 25.95% (4.43% to 47.87%). The cost expenditure on antimicrobials was also different (P<0.05) among the pharmacies with mean value of 30.54% (12.78 % to 66.67%). Drug therapy problems included wrong drug combinations 80 (14.7%), adverse effects 3 (0.5%), polypharmacy 45 (8.3%) and a non-adherence rate of 17.0%. Conclusion: Antimicrobial consumption rates in Uyo LGA are high. Antimicrobial encounter rate and expenditure was different across various pharmacies. The antibiotic classes, fluoroquinolones and beta-lactams were the most commonly consumed antimicrobials.