Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices and Challenges of Antimicrobial Stewardship among Nurses at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria
Chinonyerem Q. Odinkemere
Department of Public Health, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Uzochukwu G. Ekeleme
*
Department of Public Health, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Chinelo Nebe
Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
Stephanie Akunna Adiruo
Department of Health Education, Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Christopher Chike A. Okereke
Department of Public Health, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Ugonma Winnie Dozie
Department of Public Health, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Chidinma O. Akanazu
Department of Public Health, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Juliana Chinyere Omire
Department of Microbiology, School of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Ikwuagwu, Vivian O
Department of Microbiology/Biochemistry, Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Nkachukwu Faith Ngozi
Department of Microbiology/Biochemistry, Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Joy Adaku Mbachu
Department of Public Health, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Asuzu, Eleanor Nneka
Department of Public Health, School of Health Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Elijah A. Otutu
Department of Microbiology, College of Natural Sciences, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria.
Lilian Ugwulor
Department of Microbiology, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria.
Adindu Kalu
Department of Microbiology, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria.
Victor Simeon-Ahaotu
Department of Microbiology, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria.
Mbalya Jude Rabo
Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
Ifeoma Uche Ude
Department of Microbiology, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is a strategy aimed at optimizing the use of antimicrobials to fight against resistance. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and challenges of antimicrobial stewardship among nurses at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used for this research. The sample size was determined using Cochrane’s formula, with adjustments for a 10% non-response rate, resulting in a final sample of 300. A multistage sampling technique was employed. Data was collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire, adapted to assess knowledge, attitudes, challenges, adequacy of education and training and practices of nurses towards antimicrobial stewardship. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS Version 26.0, with significance set at p<0.05. The majority (98.3%) of participants had good knowledge of antimicrobial stewardship. Knowledge of AMS was significantly associated with ethnicity and religion (p<0.05). The majority (94.7%) of respondents also had a good attitude towards antimicrobial stewardship. Males had better attitudes when compared to females (p<0=0.011). Also, Christians were 3.591 times more likely to have a good attitude compared to other religions (p=0.041). Regarding challenges in implementing antimicrobial stewardship, 124 (47.3%) respondents encountered moderate challenges, 71 (23.7%) experienced significant challenges, and 87 (29.0%) encountered minimal challenges. The majority of nurses (63.7%) believed that the level of training and education in AMS was inadequate. Two hundred and fifty-nine (86.3%) nurses demonstrated good practices in AMS. Age, gender and ethnicity were significantly associated with the practice of AMS (p<0.05) and were significant predictors of good practices of AMS among the nurses. In conclusion, most nurses in the hospital demonstrated good knowledge, attitude and practices of AMS. However, challenges were faced in implementation and the inadequacy of education and training in AMS.
Keywords: Antimicrobial stewardship, knowledge, attitudes, practices, challenges