Analysis of the use of antimicrobials in the inpatient services of the Hospital Provincial de Tete, Mozambique

Abstract

Introduction: Antimicrobials are frequently prescribed in hospital environments as essential therapy. However, their inappropriate use can trigger antimicrobial resistance (AMR), increasing the risk of life-threatening diseases. Objective: To analyze the pattern of antimicrobial use in the inpatient services of Hospital Provincial de Tete. Methods: This is a retrospective, cross-sectional cohort study with a quantitative approach, carried out in five inpatient services: Surgery I, Internal Medicine I and II, Orthopedics, and Pediatrics, during the month of May 2023. The sample was selected using a randomized probabilistic technique. The data was collected and entered into Microsoft Excel statistical software. Then was analyzed in SPSS version 27 for Windows, using descriptive analyses. Results: 300 clinical processes containing at least one antimicrobial were analyzed, totaling 591 antimicrobials prescribed. Predominantly, antimicrobials were administered intravenously (89.0%), with penicillins (41.5%) being the most prescribed class, followed by aminoglycosides (12.4%) and cephalosporins (10.3%). Around 2.3% of prescriptions contained a dosage error. Conclusion: The results highlight the need to implement comprehensive awareness programs on antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance among hospital healthcare professionals.