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Compliance to Guidelines in Prescribing Empirical Antibiotics for Individuals with Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection in a Primary Health Facility of Ghana, 2019–2021

Author

Listed:
  • Helena Owusu

    (Pharmacy Department, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra P.O. Box KB77, Ghana)

  • Pruthu Thekkur

    (Centre for Operational Research, International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union), 75001 Paris, France
    The Union South-East Asia Office (The USEA), New Delhi 110016, India)

  • Jacklyne Ashubwe-Jalemba

    (Medwise Solutions, Nairobi P.O. Box 2356-00202 KNH, Kenya)

  • George Kwesi Hedidor

    (World Health Organization Country Office, Roman Ridge, Accra P.O. Box MB142, Ghana)

  • Oksana Corquaye

    (Pharmacy Department, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra P.O. Box KB77, Ghana)

  • Asiwome Aggor

    (Pharmacy Department, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra P.O. Box KB77, Ghana)

  • Allen Steele-Dadzie

    (Polyclinic/Family Medicine Department, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra P.O. Box KB77, Ghana)

  • Daniel Ankrah

    (Pharmacy Department, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra P.O. Box KB77, Ghana)

Abstract

Increasing trends in antimicrobial resistance among uropathogens call for rational use of empirical antibiotics for managing uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs). In Ghana, standard treatment guidelines (STGs) for UTI recommend oral ciprofloxacin or cefuroxime for 5–7 days in females and 10–14 days in males. We conducted a cross-sectional audit using electronic medical records (EMR) to assess compliance to the STGs among adults (≥18 years) with uncomplicated UTIs diagnosed in a primary health facility between October 2019 and October 2021. Among 3717 patients, 71% were females and all had complete prescription details in the EMR. Of all the patients, 83% were prescribed empirical antibiotics, of whom 88% received oral ciprofloxacin or cefuroxime. Only 68% were prescribed antibiotics for the correct duration, which was significantly lower among males (10%) compared to females (90%). Among patients who received antibiotics, 60% were prescribed in line with the STGs. The results call for feedback to physicians about poor compliance to STGs with duration of antibiotic prescribed. Recommendations on 10–14 days duration of antibiotics for males needs to be reassessed and necessary amendments to STGs can be made. Leveraging the well-established EMR system, a real-time audit-feedback mechanism can be instituted to improve compliance with STGs.

Suggested Citation

  • Helena Owusu & Pruthu Thekkur & Jacklyne Ashubwe-Jalemba & George Kwesi Hedidor & Oksana Corquaye & Asiwome Aggor & Allen Steele-Dadzie & Daniel Ankrah, 2022. "Compliance to Guidelines in Prescribing Empirical Antibiotics for Individuals with Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection in a Primary Health Facility of Ghana, 2019–2021," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-14, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:19:p:12413-:d:929063
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Huihui Wang & Nathaniel Otoo & Lydia Dsane-Selby, 2017. "Ghana National Health Insurance Scheme," World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group, number 27658, December.
    3. Martin Amogre Ayanore & Milena Pavlova & Nuworza Kugbey & Adam Fusheini & John Tetteh & Augustine Adoliba Ayanore & James Akazili & Philip Baba Adongo & Wim Groot, 2019. "Health insurance coverage, type of payment for health insurance, and reasons for not being insured under the National Health Insurance Scheme in Ghana," Health Economics Review, Springer, vol. 9(1), pages 1-15, December.
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