Point prevalence survey of antibiotic use in level 1 hospitals in Zambia : future prospects for antimicrobial stewardship programs

Tools

Mudenda, Steward and Lubanga, Adriano Focus and Jamshed, Shazia and Biemba, Bibian and Sakala, Racheal and Chiyabi, Mervis and Kavubya, Lorraine and Milambo, Linda Twaambo and Bumbangi, Flavien Nsoni and Chizimu, Joseph Yamweka and Yamba, Kaunda and Wesangula, Evelyn and Chigome, Audrey and Kalungia, Aubrey Chichonyi and Sefah, Israel Abebrese and Ul Mustafa, Zia and Massele, Amos Yared and Saleem, Zikria and Mutemwa, Richard and Kazonga, Eustarckio and Sartelli, Massimo and Meyer, Johanna Catharina and Muma, John Bwalya and Chilengi, Roma and Godman, Brian (2025) Point prevalence survey of antibiotic use in level 1 hospitals in Zambia : future prospects for antimicrobial stewardship programs. Infection and Drug Resistance, 2025 (18). pp. 887-902. (https://doi.org/10.2147/IDR.S509522)

[thumbnail of Mudenda-etal-IDR-2025-Point-prevalence-survey-of-antibiotic-use-in-level-1-hospitals-in-Zambia]
Preview
 Text. Filename: Mudenda-etal-IDR-2025-Point-prevalence-survey-of-antibiotic-use-in-level-1-hospitals-in-Zambia.pdf
Final Published Version
License: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 logo
Download (2MB)| Preview

Abstract

Introduction: The inappropriate prescribing and use of antibiotics have contributed to the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In Zambia, there is a paucity of information on the prescribing patterns and use of antibiotics among hospitalized patients in level 1 hospitals. This study investigated antibiotic use in five level 1 hospitals in Lusaka, Zambia. Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized the World Health Organization (WHO) Point Prevalence Survey (PPS) methodology among in-patients admitted in level 1 hospitals before 08:00 a.m. on the survey day in August 2024. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 23.0. Results: The prevalence of antibiotic use among inpatients was 59.0%, with ceftriaxone being the most prescribed. Antibiotics were prescribed mainly for paediatrics and male inpatients. This study found that 53.0% of prescribed antibiotics were from the Access group while 38.2% were from the Watch group of the World Health Organization Access, Watch, and Reserve (AWaRe) classification. Adherence to national treatment guidelines was 36.0%, with most antibiotics prescribed empirically without evidence of culture and sensitivity tests. Conclusion: This study found a high use of antibiotics and low adherence to treatment guidelines in level 1 hospitals in Lusaka, Zambia. The findings of this study demonstrate the need to establish and strengthen antimicrobial stewardship programs and strengthen laboratory capacity to aid clinicians in diagnosing, treating, and managing patients across level 1 hospitals in Zambia.

CORE (COnnecting REpositories)