Antibiotics prescription patterns and barriers to antimicrobial stewardship among physicians at a tertiary hospital in North-eastern Nigeria

Abstract Background: Global action plans to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR) include implementing antimicrobial stewardship (AMS), but few studies have directly addressed the challenges faced by low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Objective: This study aimed to assess antibiotics prescription patterns and barriers to antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) among physicians in Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, North-eastern Nigeria. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 133 physicians (response rate of 80.6%) practising at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi. Participants were asked to complete an electronic survey after meeting them at their working sites. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data via convenience sampling. Frequency and percentages were used to summarise data. Bivariate analysis (Chi-square test) was used to assess associations, with statistical significance set at P <0.05. Result: The mean age of the physicians was 35.9±6.5 years with a male preponderance of 71%. The majority of physicians (88.7%) believed they had a higher average rate of antibiotic prescriptions than their peers in the same clinical speciality. More than half 51.1% have a good composite self-perceived knowledge of AMS. The major barriers against the AMS implementation were a lack of funding, lack of sufficient healthcare providers, and a shortage of AMS team members. The least-ranked barrier was the lack of awareness among hospital administration of AMS. Conclusion: In general, the study participants had a relatively good self-perceived knowledge but reported insufficient implementation of AMS programs. The main barriers to AMS implementation were a lack of funding, a shortage of healthcare providers, and a shortage of AMS team members.