Public perceptions on the use of antibiotics at a market place in Kumasi, Ghana: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background

Ghana launched its National Action Plan (NAP) to curb the spread of

antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in 2017. The current study was designed to

gather data on public perception concerning antibiotic use by surveying a

population at Kejetia market in Kumasi with the aim of informing the design

and implementation of public health campaigns linked to the NAP in Ghana.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Kejetia market in Kumasi,

Ghana between November 2017 and January 2018. Participants were adults

over 18 years of age and data were gathered via a questionnaire regarding

participants’ perceptions on the acquisition, use and disposal of antibiotics.

Results

The number of participants was 302, of which nearly 60% were female.

Statistically significant associations were identified between gender and level

of education (p<0.05, Fisher’s exact test). Amoxicillin and metronidazole were

the most commonly used antibiotics. Females were three times more likely to

use these agents for diarrhoea than males, and more likely to purchase them

from non-pharmacy outlets and market pedlars.

Conclusion

This study shows access to, and the misuse of, antibiotics without

prescriptions amongst the surveyed population. Antibiotics were used more

by females and by people with a lower level of education. This research

highlights antibiotic misuse within a target population that needs addressing

by implementation of the NAP.