CONSUMPTION OF ANTIBACTERIAL WITHIN THE SOUTHERN NIGERIAN POPULATION: SOURCES, PATTERN AND APPROPRIATENESS IN RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTION

Abstract

The study was designed to assess the sources and pattern of procurement, knowledge and attitude of consumers of antibacterial agents and the appropriateness of use in respect of respiratory tract infections. Buyers at the point of purchase were interviewed with a structured questionnaire. 65 respondents were randomly selected among buyers who had duly signed prescriptions but without prior laboratory tests. Sputum samples were collected for microbiology, culture and sensitivity to match up for appropriateness with requested antibacterial. 40 % of the study population believed that laboratory test was not required before the use of antibacterial. 27% of the respondents have tertiary education and only 4% have a monthly income in excess of N100, 000 ( US$750). The observed knowledge and behavior was closely associated with sex, education and financial strength of respondents (P 0.001). Tetracycline has the lowest zone of inhibition (ZOI) in males and females. The number of buyers with inappropriately written prescriptions prior to laboratory investigations was significantly higher than those that where appropriately written (P 0.1). Campaign on rational drug use at the point of sales of antibacterial agents is seriously required in order to reduce the development of drug resistance in the study area.