P52 Predictors and sources of antibiotic consumption in The Gambia

TL;DR

This study explores where households in The Gambia get their antibiotics and what factors predict antibiotic use.

Contribution

The study identifies pharmacies as the main source of antibiotics and suggests targeting them for antimicrobial resistance strategies.

Findings

71.4% of households reported an acute illness episode in the last 6 months.

45% of households consumed antibiotics, with pharmacies being the most common source (44%).

No statistically significant predictors of antibiotic consumption were identified.

Abstract

To identify the sources of antibiotics consumed by households and to identify predictors of antibiotic consumption.

A survey was conducted with 140 households, identified by a spatial sampling frame using randomly generated GPS coordinates and satellite imaging. The questionnaire was adapted from a validated WHO household survey tool. A ‘drugs bag’, containing samples of all antibiotics available within the region, was created to aid recall during the questionnaire. This included different packing, names, and formulations (except injectables). Multivariate binary logistic regression was used to analyse potentials predictor values of antibiotic consumption.

In total, 71.4% of households surveyed reported an acute illness episode within the last 6 months, of which 84% consumed medication and 45% consumed antibiotics. The most common source of antibiotics was the pharmacy (44%).

Initial antimicrobial resistance strategies implemented in The Gambia could be aimed at pharmacies to maximize impact. None of the expected predictor values showed significance for antibiotic consumption. Further studies considering new variables or with a larger sample size may elicit statistically significant predictors.