Abstract:
Background Unregulated and inappropriate antimicrobial use are major contributors to the evolution of
antimicrobial resistance worldwide. It is important to monitor and collect data on the use of antibiotics at health
facilities and in the general population in order to support antimicrobial stewardship programs.
Methods As part of a gonorrhea surveillance study that was conducted from June 2012 to Jan 2018, we
administered a questionnaire to elicit information on the types of antimicrobials used by individuals to treat
symptoms of a gonorrhea infection prior to presenting at five health facilities in Southern Ghana.
Results Almost one-third (383/1,349; 28%) of study participants admitted taking one or more antimicrobial types
before hospital presentation, while 138/383 (36%) of those who took antimicrobials could not remember what they
ingested. A greater percentage of individuals who reported prior antimicrobial use before presentation at a health
facility tested positive for gonorrhea by NAAT (30%), in contrast to 24% for those without prior treatment (p=0.004).
Penicillin and its derivatives, as well as ciprofloxacin and doxycycline, were the most used, while a few individuals
reported taking drugs such as kanamycin and rifampin. Males were more likely than females to take an antimicrobial
prior to attending a health center.
Conclusion In order to curb excessive and inappropriate antimicrobial use, antibiotics used by patients before
presenting at hospitals ought to be investigated by healthcare providers. It is recommended that health professionals
receive continuing education on the consequences of unregulated antimicrobial use.