Use of Antimicrobial Medicines among University Students in Sierra Leone
Journal Title: Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International - Year 2014, Vol 4, Issue 1
Abstract
Aims: Misuse of antimicrobial medicines is a major contributory factor to development of resistant strains of micro-organisms, therapeutic failure and increased healthcare costs in many countries. To identify pattern of antimicrobial use among undergraduate students of the University of Sierra Leone and to determine possible gaps in their understanding of appropriate use of these therapeutic agents. Study Design: A cross-sectional survey of the students using a structured questionnaire and a stratified random sampling method to obtain the respective number of students from each college. Place and Duration of Study: Registered undergraduates in the three Colleges of the University of Sierra Leone, between March and June 2012. Methodology: A 25-item structured questionnaire was administered on a random sample of four hundred and eighteen (418) undergraduates of the University. The instrument explored respondents’ pattern of self-medication with antimicrobials, knowledge of the indications for use and sources of supply. Results: Most students reported having self-medicated with antimicrobials at various times and there were gaps in their understanding of the medicines; with about 67% having some knowledge of correct indications for use. Majority of them (70%) obtained the medicines on demand from open drug markets without prescriptions and the medicines were used for such ailments as common colds and diarrhea. Previous experiences of treating similar symptoms ranked highest as the factor affecting demand and penicillins topped the list of commonly used antimicrobials. Most of the students did not complete full regimen of the medication for reasons of cost, long duration of treatment and side effects. Conclusion: There were knowledge gaps in the proper use of antimicrobial medicines and unrestricted access to prescription drugs was a major factor of misuse. The existing drug laws in the country should be strengthened to control indiscriminate sale and distribution. Basic courses on rational medicine use may need to be incorporated in the general studies programme of the University; with emphasis on the consequences of indiscriminate use of antimicrobial medicines.
Authors and Affiliations
M. O. Afolabi, L. Macarthy, K. P. Osemene
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP344690
- DOI 10.9734/BJPR/2014/5972
- Views 90
- Downloads 0
In vitro Efficacies of Some Nigerian Medicinal Plant Extracts against Toxigenic Aspergillus flavus, A. parasiticus and A. ochraceus
The aim of this work was to find an alternative to chemical fungicides currently used in the control and prevention of activities of toxigenic Aspergillus flavus, A. parasiticus and A. ochraceus in food and feed. The anti...
Extracts of Eastern Nigeria Mistletoe, Tapinanthus globiferus (A. Rich.) Tiegh. Modulate Dexamethasone-induced Insulin Resistance and Exhibit Potent osteogenic Activity in Animal Experimental Model
Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Scientific evidence for the traditional use of eastern Nigeria mistletoe as an anti-diabetic and anti-osteoporotic agent has been documented. In our continued efforts to provide further ev...
Gender Variation Studies in Dermatoglyphic Patterns (Level 2 Details) of the Ikwerre Ethnic Group in Rivers State, Nigeria
Background to the Study: Dermatoglyphics have had several definitions but each boils down to a simple sentence ‘act, process or science of studying ridge patterns on the skin of the palm, fingers, foot and toes of primat...
Synthesis, Characterization of Novel Furan Based Imidazolones and Their Boilogical Studies
Background: Heterocyclic derivatives are of various pharmacological activities. The five membered rings, imidazole moiety is present in wide range of naturally occurring molecules, for example furan is a five membered he...
Biochemical Studies of Ocimum sanctum and Olax subscorpioidea Leaf Extracts
The leaves of Ocimum sanctum and Olax subscorpioidea are known in Nigerian traditional medical practices for the treatment of different ailments according to folklore. This study was undertaken to compare and appraise th...