Antibiotic Prescribing Patterns in Ghana, Uganda, Zambia and Tanzania Hospitals: Results from the Global Point Prevalence Survey (G-PPS) on Antimicrobial Use and Stewardship Interventions Implemented
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Date
2021
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Antibiotics 2021
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains an important global public health issue with
antimicrobial misuse and overuse being one of the main drivers. The Global Point Prevalence Survey
(G-PPS) of Antimicrobial Consumption and Resistance assesses the prevalence and the quality of
antimicrobial prescriptions across hospitals globally. G-PPS was carried out at 17 hospitals across
Ghana, Uganda, Zambia and Tanzania. The overall prevalence of antimicrobial use was 50% (30–57%),
with most antibiotics prescribed belonging to the WHO ‘Access’ and ‘Watch’ categories. No ‘Reserve’
category of antibiotics was prescribed across the study sites while antimicrobials belonging to the
‘Not Recommended’ group were prescribed infrequently. Antimicrobials were most often prescribed
for prophylaxis for obstetric or gynaecological surgery, making up between 12 and 18% of total
prescriptions across all countries. The most prescribed therapeutic subgroup of antimicrobials was
‘Antibacterials for systemic use’. As a result of the programme, PPS data are now readily available
for the first time in the hospitals, strengthening the global commitment to improved antimicrobial
surveillance. Antimicrobial stewardship interventions developed included the formation of AMS
committees, the provision of training and the preparation of new AMS guidelines. Other common
interventions included the presentation of findings to clinicians for increased awareness, and the
promotion of a multi-disciplinary approach to successful AMS programmes. Repeat PPS would be
necessary to continually monitor the impact of interventions implemented. Broader participation is
also encouraged to strengthen the evidence base
Description
Research Article
Keywords
antimicrobial resistance, global-pps; antimicrobial surveillance, antibiotics, antimicrobials, antimicrobial stewardship