Journal of Bioanalysis & Biomedicine

Background: The spread of antimicrobial resistance in developing countries is associated with complex and interconnected factors. Accordingly, there is poor controlling system in use of all the available antimicrobials in the hospital. This facilitates for the spread of inappropriateness of prescribing ending up with emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance.

Objective: The study aims to assess the inappropriateness of the use of antimicrobials and the associated factors among patients admitted in 3 hospitals in southwest Ethiopia.

Methods: A prospective observational study design was employed at medical wards of 3 hospitals in southwest Ethiopia. Data was analyzed using SPSS, version 16.0 using logistic regression model. Statistical significance was considered at p-value <0.05.

Results: A total of 348 antimicrobial containing orders were prescribed for the 291 patients during the 2525 person-days of follow up. At least one antimicrobial use problem was identified among most (80.1%) of the patients. The multivariate logistic regression showed that the use of social drug [AOR=2.549(1.279-5.080) at 95% C.I.; p value=0.008)], the use of antimicrobial in the previous 3 months [AOR=4.095(1.855-9.040) at 95% C.I.; p value=0.000] and the total number of drugs used [AOR=2.997(1.413-6.356); p value=0.004 for 3-4 drugs and AOR=4.653(1.985- 10.906); p value=0.000 for ≥5 drugs at 95% C.I.] were independently associated with antimicrobial use problems.

Conclusion: At least one antimicrobial use problem was prevalent among most of the patients. The independent determinants of antimicrobial use problems were the total number of drugs used, use of social drugs and the previous use of antimicrobials.