Factors influencing antibiotic prescribing choice among private general practitioners in Windhoek
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Date
2023
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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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