Prescribing pattern of antimicrobials in the internal medicine ward at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Hawassa, Ethiopia: A Retrospective study

Abstract

Background: Antimicrobials are frequently prescribed therapeutic medications in hospitals and their resistance arises from the inappropriate use pattern of them that can cause diseases that are fatal. This study assessed the internal medicine department of Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in Hawassa, Ethiopia.

Methods: An institution-based retrospective study was conducted using the World Health Organization indicators for antimicrobial use in the hospital by reviewing records in the internal medicine department from June 8, 2021 to July 7, 2022.

Result: From a total of 252 medical records analyzed, 203 (80.55%) patients had at least one antimicrobial medication administered to them. Antimicrobials were prescribed to patients on average (2.15±1.2). The average duration of the antimicrobial therapy was (4.3±2.9) days. Antimicrobials prescribed by generic name were 331 (75.74%) and 98.63% of antimicrobials were prescribed from essential medication list. A total of 437 antimicrobials were prescribed for patients, with ceftriaxone and metronidazole being the most often prescribed with 130 (29.75%) and 94 (21.51%), respectively. Antimicrobial amount provided was significantly associated to the length of hospital stay (P <0.001) and the type of diagnosis (P = 0.03).

Conclusion: The present study finding showed that the internal medicine department uses antimicrobials frequently in a pattern that is above recommended use standard. It is necessary to implement multifaceted strategies to encourage reasonable antimicrobial prescription.