Evaluation of the Level of Knowledge of Antimicrobial Drugs among Residents of Abonnema in Akuku Toru Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Antimicrobial agents are common chemotherapeutic agents used by many to treat diverse diseases, but are occasionally abused. The study evaluated the knowledge, of antimicrobials among residents of Abonnema in Akuku- Toru Local Government Area of Rivers state, Nigeria. A descriptive study design guided the research. A sample size of 252 was used from a total population of 15,000 residents. A semi structured questionnaire was used to obtain data from the respondents. Frequency, percentages, and Chi-square statistics were used to analyze the data. The results revealed that, majority (95%) had adequate level of knowledge of antimicrobial agents. Majority experienced side effects of vomiting after taking antimicrobial agents; 4.4% had fever, 2.0% coughed, 1.2% experienced drowsiness and 17,5% had other side effects. 1.6% had taken Flagyl, 0.8% Septrin, 0.4% Fluconazole, 0.4% Albendazole, 0.8%Tetracycline, 0.8% Clotrimazole, 0.8% have taken ACT and 3.2% took other antimicrobials with 91.0% haven taken more than one antimicrobial combination. The study also revealed that the practice of antimicrobial usage revealed that majority 89 (35.3%) visited medicine shop. Majority of the respondents 66.3% complied with prescription instruction. The study concluded that their knowledge of antimicrobial agents is good, their knowledge of the usage and the resistance associated with it is also good. In addition, it was recommended that there should be public enlightenment regarding the importance and dangers associated with antimicrobial use. There should also be effective laboratory investigation before prescription and administration of antimicrobials.