Work

Prevalence of Antibiotic Use and Disposal at Household Level in Informal Settlements of Kisumu, Kenya

Year: 2022

Type: article

Abstract: The use and abuse of antibiotics are directly related to the development of drug resistance, a global public health problem. Whereas the majority of research focus is on the use and misuse of antibiotics in drug resistance development, little is known about improper disposal, as a source of contamination in the environment that includes groundwater, especially in informal settlements. This study sought to determine antibiotic use and disposal in informal settlements in Kisumu, Kenya. A random cross-sectional sample of 447 households in selected informal settlements of Kisumu, Kenya was studied. A structured questionnaire was issued to persons heading households. The prevalence of antibiotic use was 43% (n = 193). Among these people, 74% (n = 144) had consulted a health worker in a healthcare facility for a prescription. Respondents did not always complete doses but kept the remainder for the next time they would become ill (54%). About 32% disposed of the remainder of the antibiotics in pit latrines and compost pits (10%) while 4% disposed through burning. Antibiotic use was fairly high despite a low level of awareness of the health effects of consuming water contaminated with antibiotics (35%) (n = 156); p = 0.03. Misuse and inappropriate disposal of antibiotics as identified may lead to a higher risk of antibiotic resistance, increasing the disease burden in the informal settlements.

Source: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010287

Authors: Kellen J. Karimi, Aijaz Ahmad, Adriano Duse, Mutuku Mwanthi, Richard Ayah

Institutions: University of Nairobi, University of the Witwatersrand, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Pharmaceutical and Antibiotic Environmental Impacts

Subfield: Pollution

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,618