Antibiotic Prescribing in DR Congo: A Knowledge,Attitude and Practice Survey among Medical Doctors and Students |
| |
| Authors: | Kamala Thriemer Yves Katuala Bibi Batoko Jean-Pierre Alworonga Hugo Devlieger Christel Van Geet Dauly Ngbonda Jan Jacobs |
| |
| Institution: | 1. Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.; 2. Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Kisangani, Kisangani, Democratic Republic of the Congo.; 3. Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.; University of Texas HSC at San Antonio, United States of America, |
| |
| Abstract: | ObjectivesAntibiotic resistance (ABR) particularly hits resource poor countries, and is fuelled by irrational antibiotic (AB) prescribing. We surveyed knowledge, attitudes and practices of AB prescribing among medical students and doctors in Kisangani, DR Congo.MethodsSelf-administered questionnaires.ResultsA total of 184 questionnaires were completed (response rate 94.4%). Knowledge about AB was low (mean score 4.9/8 points), as was the estimation of local resistance rates of S. Typhi and Klebsiella spp.(correct by 42.5% and 6.9% of respondents respectively). ABR was recognized as a problem though less in their own practice (67.4%) than nation- or worldwide (92.9% and 85.5%, p<.0001). Confidence in AB prescribing was high (88.6%) and students consulted more frequently colleagues than medical doctors when prescribing (25.4% versus 11.6%, p = 0.19). Sources of AB prescribing included pharmaceutical companies (73.9%), antibiotic guidelines (66.3%), university courses (63.6%), internet-sites (45.7%) and WHO guidelines (26.6%). Only 30.4% and 16.3% respondents perceived AB procured through the central procurement and local pharmacies as of good quality. Local AB guidelines and courses about AB prescribing are welcomed (73.4% and 98.8% respectively).ConclusionsThis data shows the need for interventions that support rational AB prescribing. |
| |
| Keywords: | |
|
|
