Pattern of Antibiotics prescription in a tertiary hospital in Delta state, Nigeria.

Background: Antibiotics are drugs commonly used in hospitals but are prescribed inappropriately in most cases. This has led to the emergence of bacterial resistance and an increase in the cost of treatment.Drug utilization studies are intended to provideinformation on prescription patterns to ensurerational drug use. Objective: The study aimed at describing antibioticprescription patterns in Delta State UniversityTeaching Hospital, Delta State, Nigeria. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study wasconducted on antibiotic prescriptions pattern atDelta State University Teaching Hospital using 17core quantitative prescribing indicators whichdetermined the availability of a Standard TreatmentGuidelines and Essential Medicine List at the facility.The study was conducted for a period of six months.A total of 420 prescriptions were studied. Datacollected was analyzed using SPSS version 23. Resultswere presented as frequency (percentages), mean,tables and charts. Results: The average number of antibioticsprescribed per encounter (ANAPE) was found to be1.49, with an average cost of NGN 2404 perhospitalization. The percentage of prescriptions bygenerics was 58.65%. The prevalence ofinappropriate prescription was found in 67.5% ofpatients. The most commonly prescribed class ofantibiotics were Cephalosporin 149(23.8%),Nitroimidazole 150(23.93%), and Penicillin134(21.36%). In-depth interviews of the healthprofessionals revealed factors that influencedantibiotic prescription pattern including: diagnosisuncertainty, doctor’s hierarchy, external influence bymanufacturer among others. Conclusion: There was inappropriate prescription ofantibiotics with increased risk of developingresistance hence increasing financial burden onpatient. Intervention programs, strategies, policies,and reforms should be put in place to address thisproble