Point prevalence survey of antimicrobial prescription in a tertiary hospital in South East Nigeria: A call for improved antibiotic stewardship

Objectives: Antimicrobial prescribing practices and use contribute to the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to global health. Information on antimicrobial prescribing and use are lacking in most developing countries, including Nigeria. This information is crucial for antimicrobial stewardship programmes, an effective tool in minimising AMR. This study was performed to gather baseline information on antimicrobial prescribing practices in Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on all inpatients of a tertiary hospital in South East Nigeria. All patients on admission on the day of the survey formed the study population. A standardised questionnaire, web-based data entry and validation process designed by the University of Antwerp, Belgium, were adopted. Information on basic patient demographics, antimicrobial agents used, indication for treatment, laboratory data prior to treatment and stop/review date was collected. Results: Of 220 inpatients surveyed, 78.2% were receiving at least one antimicrobial agent. The highest prevalence of antimicrobial use was in the ICU (100%), adult surgical ward (82.9%) and paediatric medical ward (82.9%). Agents used were mainly third-generation cephalosporins (ceftriaxone 25.1%) and nitroimidazole (metronidazole 24.6%). Antimicrobial prescription was empirical (91.1% in medical wards, 96.8% in surgical wards and 100% in ICU). There was limited use of guidelines but clear documentation of stop/review dates and reasons for antimicrobial use. Conclusion: Although a majority of antimicrobial prescriptions were made with indications, they were mostly prescribed empirically and the majority of prescriptions were parenteral formulations. There is a need to develop antibiotic guidelines, to educate prescribers on antimicrobial stewardship and to encourage targeted prescription.