Antibiotic use in acute respiratory infections in under-fives in Uganda: findings and implications. Issue 9 (1st September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kibuule, Dan; Kagoya, Harriet Rachel; Godman, Brian
• Is Part Of: Expert review of anti-infective therapy. Volume 14:Issue 9(2016)
• Page Start: 863
• Page End: 872
• Publication Date: 2016-09-01
• Subjects: Acute respiratory infections (ARI) -- antibiotics -- under-fives -- households -- self-medication -- Uganda; Anti-infective agents -- Research -- Periodicals; 616.90461
• DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2016.1206468
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1478-7210

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background : Self-medication with antibiotics among households is common in Uganda. However, there are limited studies evaluating self-purchasing of antibiotics for acute respiratory infections (ARI) in the under-fives. Consequently, the objective of this study was to evaluate patterns of household self-medication with antibiotics in ARI among under-fives in Kampala. Methods : Descriptive cross-sectional observational design. Care takers at households were selected from five divisions of Kampala using the WHO 30-cluster method and interviewed using a standardized questionnaire in June - July 2011. Results : Out of the 200 households, most ARI cases 107 (53.5%; p = 0.322) were inappropriately managed. The prevalence of antibiotic use in ARI was 43% ( p < 0.001). Amoxicillin (31.4%) and cotrimoxazole (30%) were the most self-medicated antibiotics. Antibiotics use was associated with pneumonia symptoms and access to antibiotics. Conclusions : Household use of antibiotics in ARIs among under-fives is suboptimal. There is an urgent need for guidelines on awareness to reduce self-medication of ARIs in Uganda.