Knowledge, practices, and training outcomes regarding antimicrobial stewardship among Patent Medicine Vendors in Abia State-Nigeria

Eguzo K; Onodugo C; Akpanudo U; Egharevba P; Onwueyi N; Oluoha C; Ndukwe P; Nnah K; Nwokocha O

doi:10.61386/imj.v14i2.63

Authors

Eguzo K Marjorie Bash Foundation, and Marjorie Bash College of Health Sciences and Technology, Aba, Abia State, Nigeria
Onodugo C
Akpanudo U
Egharevba P
Onwueyi N
Oluoha C
Ndukwe P
Nnah K
Nwokocha O

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61386/imj.v14i2.63

Keywords:

Patent Medicine Vendors, Antimicrobial Stewardship, Nigeria, Antibiotics resistance

Abstract

Background: Patent medicine vendors (PMVs) have become a major source of medicines in Nigeria, especially for acute conditions. Although they are prohibited from selling antibiotics, PMVs stock, and dispense antibiotics in communities. They are often the closest source of these medications to the populace. A basic knowledge of proper antimicrobial use is required for safe practice with them.
Objective: To explore the antimicrobial related knowledge and practices of patent medicine vendors in Abia State.
Materials and Methods: This study was a cross-sectional, before-and-after study of patent medicine dealers across different parts of Abia State. The design was chosen to provide an overview of the antibiotics-related knowledge as well as impact of a continuing education intervention. Data collection involved surveys that were combined with quizzes and deployed during workshops. Analysis involved descriptive statistics, chi-square test and ANOVA.
Results: A total of 133 individuals participated in the workshops. Their highest levels of education were secondary school (n=99), tertiary healthcare (n=26) and tertiary non-healthcare (n=8). Participants’ average age was 47.51 (±11.82) years with about 17.82 (±11.02) years in practice. Metronidazole was the most used antibiotics for diarrhoeal disease (52.1%) while Ceftriaxone or Cephalexin were the most used for urinary tract infection (23.1%). The average pretest score was 59.38% (±21.02%) and the average post-test score was 85.00% (±17.17%), p<0.001. Most participants expressed interest in taking further training as pharmacy technicians (91%, 121/133).
Conclusion: Study demonstrated that 90% (121/133) of PMVs had a desire to pursue formal training as pharmacy technicians. There was significant improvement in their knowledge about antibiotics stewardship following the intervention. There need to increase the number of training institutions for pharmacy technicians in Abia State.