Community Knowledge and Practices Regarding Antibiotics use Across Five States in Nigeria

The rational use of drugs is mandatory and properly captured by the World Health Organization (WHO). This study was aimed at assessing the knowledge and practices of community members regarding antibiotic use. This was a cross-sectional study conducted across six states in Nigeria. The study included 8,370 respondents drawn from Taraba, Benue State, Enugu State, Nasarawa State, Osun State, and Rivers States. The participants were stratified into such as; community members, in-school and out-of-school youths and patient groups. The study revealed significant gaps in understanding the behaviors related to antibiotics use and antimicrobial resistance. Key findings indicated a lack of awareness about antimicrobials among a substantial proportion of participants, suggesting the need for educational campaigns and awareness. Misconceptions about the uses of antimicrobials were evident, with participants associating them with a range of diseases, sometimes inaccurately. The issue of partial compliance to antibiotic treatment was also note, with participants discontinuing treatments prematurely. Participants indicated some awareness of the concept of antimicrobial resistance, highlighting a potential starting point for education on this topic. The study underscored the role of community pharmacies and patent store owners in antibiotic distribution, often without proper education on safety protocols. This emphasizes the importance of regulatory measures and training for responsible dispensing for proper patient care. To address these issues, recommendations include comprehensive public awareness campaigns, educational initiatives in schools and communities, healthcare provider training, and promoting adherence to treatment guidelines. Multisectoral collaboration, cultural sensitivity, and ongoing research and evaluation are also recommended to address the gaps identified and combat antimicrobial resistance effectively.