Journal
ANTIBIOTICS-BASEL
Volume 11, Issue 5, Pages -Publisher
MDPI
DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11050617
Keywords
caesarean section; antenatal antibiotic use; antibiotic prophylaxis; postpartum antibiotic use; Benin
Categories
Funding
- Bourse de cooperation au developpement, Commission de l'Action Internationale of Universite catholique de Louvain, Belgium
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The excessive use and misuse of antibiotics have a significant impact on the global numbers of antibiotic-resistant pathogens and commensal bacteria. In Benin, there are various problems with antibiotic use during caesarean sections, highlighting the need for a national policy to improve antibiotic usage.
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.
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