Pattern of Use of Antibacterial Agents at a Private Hospital in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, South-South, Nigeria

Antibacterial agents, commonly known as antibiotics, are among the most widely prescribed and utilized medications in healthcare settings worldwide.However, the widespread and often indiscriminate use of antibiotics has led to concerning patterns of use, contributing to the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a significant global public health threat.This study aimed to investigate the pattern of use of antibacterial agents in a private hospital in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.The objectives of the study were to determine the most frequently used class of antibiotics, identify the percentage of antibiotics prescribed by route of administration, and identify the percentage of antibiotics prescribed as generics.The study employed a retrospective approach, utilizing a carefully designed data collection form to assess the pattern of antibiotic use in the selected private hospital.Patient folders with prescriptions containing antibiotics between January and December 2019 were reviewed.Convenience sampling was used to select the study facility, time frame, and folders.Descriptive statistics were employed for data analysis using Microsoft Excel 2021.The demographic data revealed a slightly higher prescription rate for female patients (52.59%) and a significant portion of prescriptions for outpatients (64.31%).The age group with the highest prescription rate was 26-30 years (13.18%).Penicillins emerged as the most frequently prescribed class of antibiotics (38.19%), followed by Nitroimidazoles (21.43%) and Cephalosporins (15.08%).Oral administration was predominant (70%), and a substantial majority of prescriptions were for generic antibiotics (88.31%).The pattern of antibacterial use in this private hospital reflects a pragmatic approach focused on widely used antibiotic classes, convenient administration routes, and cost-effective generic options.The findings suggest a reliance on Penicillins, Nitroimidazoles, and Cephalosporins for treating infections, with a preference for oral administration due to its convenience and suitability for outpatient treatment.The high prescription rate for generic antibiotics highlights a focus on cost-effective treatment options without compromising therapeutic efficacy.The study provides insights into the pattern of antibacterial agent use in a private hospital in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, identifying the most commonly prescribed antibiotic classes, routes of administration, and the predominance of generic prescriptions.Future research could explore the clinical outcomes associated with these patterns to ensure optimal patient care and adherence to antimicrobial stewardship principles.Additionally, implementing comprehensive antibiotic stewardship programs and continuous monitoring of antibiotic use patterns in private healthcare facilities could contribute to combating the global threat of antimicrobial resistance.