Self-medication with antibiotics and knowledge about antibiotic resistance among nursing practitioners at a tertiary hospital in Northern Ghana: a cross-sectional survey study
Abstract Background Antimicrobial resistance attributed to self-medication with antibiotics is a growing global health concern. Even among health-aware subgroups including medical and nursing practitioners, the prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics remains high. In Ghana, the extent of self-medication with antibiotics among health professionals is not yet fully known. This study draws from a primary cross-sectional study within a tertiary medical facility in Ghana to provide a first estimate of the proportion of nurses who had self-medicated with antibiotics within the last 12 months or longer at the time of the study. The primary study investigated associations between self-medication with antibiotics and socio-demographics, knowledge levels, perceived susceptibility, and perceived severity regarding antibiotic resistance- related conditions. Methods Cross-sectional survey design supported by a pre-tested, standardized, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data among 170 nurses. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse variable distributions. Chi-square test was used for univariate analysis and logistic regression for multivariable analysis. A level of p < .05 was considered significant. IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 was used for data analysis. Results 77.1% of study participants recalled having practised self-medication with antibiotics within the last 12 months and longer. 72.9% of respondents obtained antibiotics from the medical store or pharmacy. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, years of work ≤ 5 years (OR = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.061–0.708), knowledge of antibiotic resistance (OR = 0.178, 95% CI: 0.060–0.528), and high perceived personal severity of a disease related to antibiotic resistance (OR = 0.128, 95% CI: 0.046–0.357) were found significantly associated with the practice of self-medication with antibiotics. Conclusion To curb inappropriate use of antibiotics that increases the risk of antibiotic resistance, there is the need to promote education among nurses and stronger enforcement of laws which forbid sales without prescription.