Journal Article

Antibiotic Usage in Patients Having Undergone Caesarean Section: A Three-Level Study in Benin

Van Bambeke, Françoise, Dohou, Angèle Modupè, Yemoa, Loconon Achille, Dalleur, Olivia, Anagonou, Severin, Buda, Valentina Oana, Dossou, Francis Moïse, Van Hees, Thierry

2022

Overview

The intense use and misuse of antibiotics is undoubtedly the main factor associated with the high numbers of antibiotic-resistant pathogenic and commensal bacteria worldwide. In low-income countries, this misuse and overuse is widespread, with great consequences at the personal and global levels. In the context of user fee exemptions in caesarean sections, we performed a descriptive study in women to assess the use of antibiotics on three levels—antenatal, during caesarean section, and postpartum—in four Beninese hospitals. Out of the 141 women included, 56.7% were using antibiotics. More than the half (71.3%) were taking more than one antibiotic, either for a long time or in acute treatment. In prophylaxis, the timing, dose, and duration of administration were not correctly achieved. Only 31.2% of women received optimal antibiotic prophylaxis. Various antibiotics including broad-spectrum molecules were used in the patients after caesarean section. The use of antibiotics was improper on the three levels studied. The high rate of self-administered antibiotics, the poor achievement of antibiotic prophylaxis, and the postpartum overuse of antibiotics showed a poor quality of care provided in pregnancy. A national policy is essential to improve the use of antibiotics by the general public as well as by professionals.

• Publisher: MDPI AG,MDPI
• Subject: antenatal antibiotic use / antibiotic prophylaxis / Antibiotic resistance / Antibiotics / Antimicrobial agents / Benin / Biochemistry / caesarean section / Cesarean section / Developing countries / Disease prevention / Drug resistance / General Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics / Hospitals / Human health sciences / Infectious Diseases / LDCs / Microbiology / Microbiology (medical) / Patients / Pharmacie, pharmacologie & toxicologie / Pharmacology (medical) / Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics (all) / Pharmacy, pharmacology & toxicology / Postpartum / postpartum antibiotic use / Sciences de la santé humaine / Self-medication / Urinary tract diseases / Urinary tract infections / Urogenital system / Womens health