Antimicrobial use of patients with sexually transmitted infection symptoms prior to presentation at five health facilities in Southern Ghana

Abstract Background Unregulated and inappropriate antimicrobial use are major contributors to the evolution of antimicrobial resistance worldwide. It is important to monitor and collect data on the use of antibiotics at health facilities and in the general population in order to support antimicrobial stewardship programs. Methods As part of a gonorrhea surveillance study that was conducted from June 2012 to Jan 2018, we administered a questionnaire to elicit information on the types of antimicrobials used by individuals to treat symptoms of a gonorrhea infection prior to presenting at five health facilities in Southern Ghana. Results Almost one-third (383/1,349; 28%) of study participants admitted taking one or more antimicrobial types before hospital presentation, while 138/383 (36%) of those who took antimicrobials could not remember what they ingested. A greater percentage of individuals who reported prior antimicrobial use before presentation at a health facility tested positive for gonorrhea by NAAT (30%), in contrast to 24% for those without prior treatment (p = 0.004). Penicillin and its derivatives, as well as ciprofloxacin and doxycycline, were the most used, while a few individuals reported taking drugs such as kanamycin and rifampin. Males were more likely than females to take an antimicrobial prior to attending a health center. Conclusion In order to curb excessive and inappropriate antimicrobial use, antibiotics used by patients before presenting at hospitals ought to be investigated by healthcare providers. It is recommended that health professionals receive continuing education on the consequences of unregulated antimicrobial use.