Factors influencing antibiotic prescribing choice among private general practitioners in Windhoek

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Date
2023
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
Background: Inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics by physicians has been implicated as the driving force behind antibiotic resistance posing a major threat to public health. This study aimed to determine the factors influencing antibiotic prescribing among private general practitioners in Windhoek. Method: A quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional research design method was used. A total of 71 private general practitioners in Windhoek completed the questionnaire. Data were collected from May to June 2022 and analysed using SPSS version 26 software. Findings: The patient-doctor relationship was found to influence antibiotic prescribing majorly. While 68% of the participants indicated fear of the patient developing a severe infection. The Namibian standard treatment guidelines and advice from medical representatives were also found to affect prescribing behaviour. Lastly, a positive correlation (p< 0.05) was found between participants being pressured to prescribe antibiotics and their location of practice, fear of losing patients due to lack of antibiotic prescription, and the number of patients seen per day. Conclusion: This study uncovered correlations between the factors and the demographic characteristics of the participants. These results indicate that antibiotic stewardship programs and interventions may have to be tailored to accommodate specific groups such as the age of physicians, location of practice, and the number of patients seen per day
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of master in public health
Keywords
Antibiotic prescribing, Antibiotic, General practitioners, Treatment guidelines, Descriptive cross-sectional study
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