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Point Prevalence Survey of Antibiotic Use in Level 1 hospitals in Zambia: Future Prospects for Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs

Mudenda, S; Lubanga, AF; Jamshed, S; Biemba, B; Sakala, R; Chiyabi, M; Kavubya, L; Milambo, LT; Bumbangi, FN; Chizimu, JY; et al. Mudenda, S; Lubanga, AF; Jamshed, S; Biemba, B; Sakala, R; Chiyabi, M; Kavubya, L; Milambo, LT; Bumbangi, FN; Chizimu, JY; Yamba, K; Wesangula, E; Chigome, A; Kalungia, AC; Sefah, IA; UI Mustafa, Z; Massele, AY; Saleem, Z; Mutemwa, R; Kazonga, E; Sartelli, M; Meyer, JC; Muma, JB; Chilengi, R; Godman, B (2025) Point Prevalence Survey of Antibiotic Use in Level 1 hospitals in Zambia: Future Prospects for Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs. INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE, 18. pp. 887-902. ISSN 1178-6973 https://doi.org/10.2147/IDR.S509522
SGUL Authors: Godman, Brian Barr

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Abstract

Introduction: The inappropriate prescribing and use of antibiotics have contributed to the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In Zambia, there is a paucity of information on the prescribing patterns and use of antibiotics among hospitalized patients in level 1 hospitals. This study investigated antibiotic use in five level 1 hospitals in Lusaka, Zambia. Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized the World Health Organization (WHO) Point Prevalence Survey (PPS) methodology among in-patients admitted in level 1 hospitals before 08:00 a.m. on the survey day in August 2024. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 23.0. Results: The prevalence of antibiotic use among inpatients was 59.0%, with ceftriaxone being the most prescribed. Antibiotics were prescribed mainly for paediatrics and male inpatients. This study found that 53.0% of prescribed antibiotics were from the Access group while 38.2% were from the Watch group of the World Health Organization Access, Watch, and Reserve (AWaRe) classification. Adherence to national treatment guidelines was 36.0%, with most antibiotics prescribed empirically without evidence of culture and sensitivity tests. Conclusion: This study found a high use of antibiotics and low adherence to treatment guidelines in level 1 hospitals in Lusaka, Zambia. The findings of this study demonstrate the need to establish and strengthen antimicrobial stewardship programs and strengthen laboratory capacity to aid clinicians in diagnosing, treating, and managing patients across level 1 hospitals in Zambia.

Item Type: Article
Additional Information: © 2025 The Author(s). This work is published and licensed by Dove Medical Press Limited. The full terms of this license are available at https://www.dovepress.com/terms.php and incorporate the Creative Commons Attribution - Non Commercial (unported, 3.0) License. By accessing the work you hereby accept the Terms. Non-commercial uses of the work are permitted without any further permission from Dove Medical Press Limited, provided the work is properly attributed. For permission for commercial use of this work, please see paragraphs 4.2 and 5 of our Terms.
Keywords: antibiotic use, antimicrobial resistance, antimicrobial stewardship, Point Prevalence Survey, Zambia
SGUL Research Institute / Research Centre: Academic Structure > Infection and Immunity Research Institute (INII)
Journal or Publication Title: INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
ISSN: 1178-6973
Language: en
Publisher License: Creative Commons: Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0
URI: https://openaccess.sgul.ac.uk/id/eprint/117572
Publisher's version: https://doi.org/10.2147/IDR.S509522

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