DOI: njcpt.com.ng/101.1.2.27
Abstract
Background: Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programme is a strategy to combat antimicrobial resistance. The role of healthcare professionals (HCPs) is critical to its success.
Objective: The study aims to investigate the AMS practice among HCPs, knowledge, barriers and facilitators in a secondary and tertiary healthcare facility.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among HCPs using a questionnaire. Ethical clearance was obtained, and data analysis was done using SPSS version 22; p values <0.05 were considered significant.
Results: Of the 160 participants, 125(78.7%) admitted that they lacked knowledge of the purpose and scope of AMS. About 50% of healthcare professionals remained neutral on issues on the AMS programme in their institutions. More than half (69%) of the healthcare professionals believed their facility could implement and sustain AMS. Lack of funding and commitment by hospital managers 105(66.4%), non-availability of antibiotic treatment guidelines 98(62.4%), limited knowledge of healthcare professionals 99(61.9) and weak government policy 94(60.7%) were notable limitations to the practice of AMS.
Conclusion: This study revealed that most HCPs had poor knowledge of AMS. Government involvement in implementing policies and the leadership commitment of hospital executives are prominent barriers. On the part of HCPs, training and the availability of uniform antibiotic treatment guidelines are empowering tools to promote AMS.
Keywords: Antimicrobial stewardship, Health Professionals, Perception, Antibiotics, Hospital