Inadequate knowledge on appropriate antibiotics use among clients in the Moshi municipality Northern Tanzania

Abstract

Background Poor knowledge concerning appropriate antibiotic use significantly influences the misuse of antibiotics within the community, especially in developing countries where there are weaker health systems to regulate antibiotic dispensing. Antibiotic misuse leads to antibiotic resistance. This study assessed knowledge of appropriate antibiotic use among buyers in the Moshi municipality, Northern Tanzania. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study in Moshi municipality between April and May 2017. Adults who bought antibiotics at drug outlets were invited to participate in the study. An exit interview was conducted with participants to collect their demographics and assess their knowledge concerning appropriate use of antibiotics. A logistic regression model was performed to determine factors associated with correct knowledge concerning antibiotic use. Results A total of 152 adults with a median age of 30.5 (IQR 25-42) years, were enrolled in the study. Slightly over half (n = 89, 58.6%), responded that they should stop antibiotics after finishing the dose as directed. Half (n = 77, 50.7%) thought that it was acceptable to share antibiotics with other individuals and over half of respondents (n = 95, 65.1%) thought that they should request the same antibiotics if they had used them to treat a similar illness in the past. Only 38 (25%) had adequate knowledge about the use of antibiotics. Sore throat and flu were respectively identified by 62.5% and 46.1% of respondents as conditions that can be treated with antibiotics. Higher levels of education (aOR = 4.11 95%CI = 1.44-11.71) and having health insurance (aOR = 9.05 95%CI = 3.35-24.45) were associated with better levels of knowledge concerning antibiotic use in various illnesses.

National Antibiotics Utilization Trends for Human Use in Tanzania from 2010 to 2016 Inferred from Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority Importation Data

“…The DIDs and percentage contribution of these antibiotics were 53.78 (34.81%), 23.86 (15.44), 20.53 (13.29), 9.27 (6.0), and 6.94 (4.49), respectively. High and inappropriate use of amoxycillin has been reported in Tanzania [12,13,40], which may be the reason for increased utilization.…”

“…With a lack of stringent regulatory mechanisms, antibiotics are used with or without prescriptions for bacterial and viral infections. Furthermore, despite economic growth and access to antibiotics, this utilization is somewhat influenced by the social norms, cultural norms, and demands for prescribing, dispensing, and using antibiotics [4,[12][13][14][15][16].…”

Knowledge of use of antibiotics among consumers in Tanzania

“…The sample size was calculated using the formula for cross-sectional study [Z 2 p(1−p)/d 2 ]. Using a proportion (p) of 25% of the consumers with adequate knowledge of antibiotic uses obtained from a study by Mboya et al (2020), 20 the confidence level of 95% (Z = 1.96) and precision (d) of 5%, a minimum sample size of 288 antibiotic consumers was obtained. Considering 10% to be non-respondents, a total of 320 antibiotic consumers was obtained.…”

“…Section B contained two parts of the WHO-validated questions that assessed the consumers’ knowledge of appropriate uses of antibiotics. 20 …”

National Antibiotics Utilization Trends for Human Use in Tanzania from 2010 to 2016 Inferred from Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority Importation Data

“…All these influence antibiotics use, especially in the communities in LMICs where access is poorly controlled. Furthermore, despite economic growth and access to antibiotics, the utilization is somewhat influenced by the social and cultural norms towards prescribing and using antibiotics [4,[12][13][14][15][16].…”