Antimicrobial use of patients with sexually transmitted infection symptoms prior to presentation at five health facilities in Southern Ghana

Abstract

Abstract Background Unregulated and inappropriate antimicrobial use are major contributors to the evolution of antimicrobial resistance worldwide. It is important to monitor and collect data on the use of antibiotics at health facilities and in the general population in order to support antimicrobial stewardship programs. Methods As part of a gonorrhea surveillance study, we administered a questionnaire to elicit information on the types of antimicrobials used by individuals to treat symptoms of a gonorrhea infection, prior to presenting at five health facilities in Southern Ghana. Results Almost one third (383/1,349; 28%) of study participants admitted to having taken one or more antimicrobial type before hospital presentation, while 138/383 (36%) of those who took antimicrobials could not remember what they ingested. Penicillin and its derivatives as well as ciprofloxacin and doxycycline were the most used, while a few individuals reported taking drugs such as kanamycin and rifampin. Males were more likely than females to take an antimicrobial, prior to attending a health center. Conclusion In order to curb excessive and inappropriate antimicrobial use, antibiotics that were used by patients prior to showing up at hospitals ought to be investigated by healthcare providers. It is recommended that health professionals be reminded of the consequences of unregulated antimicrobial use. Educational programs by the Health Ministry should inform the Ghanaian population on antimicrobial use practices that drive antimicrobial resistance. The sale of antibiotics by unauthorised persons should be curbed. These practices would help to mitigate the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae and other disease pathogens.