%A Oduyebo, O %A Olayinka, A %A Iregbu, K %A Versporten, A %A Goossens, H %A Nwajiobi-Princewill, P %A Jimoh, O %A Ige, T %A Aigbe, A %A Ola-Bello, O %A Aboderin, A %A Ogunsola, F %T A point prevalence survey of antimicrobial prescribing in four Nigerian Tertiary Hospitals %9 Original Article %D 2017 %J Annals of Tropical Pathology %R 10.4103/atp.atp_38_17 %P 42-46 %V 8 %N 1 %U https://www.atpjournal.org/article.asp?issn=2251-0060;year=2017;volume=8;issue=1;spage=42;epage=46;aulast=Oduyebo %8 January 1, 2017 %X Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance has become a global challenge in health care. Its emergence in previously sensitive bacteria is usually associated with poor antibiotic-prescribing patterns. Methodology: A point prevalence survey was carried out in four tertiary hospitals in Nigeria in 2015 to determine the rate and characteristics of antibiotic prescription. Results: Of 828 patients eligible for the study, 69.7% received antibiotics, with highest rates in the adult Intensive Care Unit. There were therapeutic indications in 51.2% of the prescriptions, of which 89.5% were for community-acquired infections. Third-generation cephalosporins were the most prescribed antibiotics. On the evaluation of surgical prophylaxis, only 4.1% were compliant with institutional guidelines and 39.2% gave a reason for prescribing in patient case notes. Less than 1% of the prescriptions were based on the use of biomarkers. Conclusion: The prevalence of antibiotic prescription in Nigerian hospitals is high with only about 50% of prescriptions based on clear therapeutic indications. We provide evidence that the country needs to institute a cohesive antimicrobial stewardship intervention program. %0 Journal Article %I Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications %@ 2251-0060