Pre-hospital Antibiotic Use in the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital Paediatric Outpatient Clinic

Background: Antibiotics are prescription-only medications but can be procured over the counter. This over the counter use of antibiotic is of global health concern as it has led to antibiotics resistance, increased severe side effects, increased cost and a cycle of abuse/misuse.

Objective of the Study: To determine the prevalence of pre-hospital use of antibiotics.

Methodology: An observational study involving 401 caregiver/child pair seen at the Paediatric Outpatient clinic of a tertiary health facility over six months. Data on the children’s demography, clinical symptoms, and weight were obtained using a semi-structured questionnaire and informed consent obtained from the caregivers.

Results: A total of 401 caregiver/child pairs participated in the study with male predominance. Eighty nine(22.2%) of the children received antibiotics before presentation. The most common reasons for administering antibiotics were fever and cough. The majority (69.9%) gave syrup formulation. The reasons for the choice of formulation were the age, the availability of formulation at home and its been more efffective. Amoxicillin, augmentin and cefpodoxime were the most common antibiotics given and, in 75% of cases, were not prescribed by a doctor.

They also received vitamin C, antimalarials and cough syrup before presentation. About 62% of the children received the appropriate doses, 32.4% underdosed and 5.6% received an overdose. Most of the children were diagnosed with malaria and respiratory tract infections in the hospital.

Conclusion: Pre-hospital antibiotic use and abuse/misuse is a common practice among the respondents. Education of the populace is advocated to curb this menace of antibiotic abuse with its attendant development of drug resistance.