University of Sussex
Browse
s40545-021-00361-4.pdf (1.05 MB)

Access, use and disposal of antimicrobials among humans and animals in Wakiso district, Uganda: a qualitative study

Download (1.05 MB)
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-10, 02:15 authored by David Musoke, Carol Namata, Grace Biyinzika Lubega, Freddy Eric Kitutu, Lawrence Mugisha, Saba Amir, Claire Brandish, Joviah Gonza, Deborah Ikhile, Filimin Niyongabo, Bee Yean Ng, Jean O'Driscoll, Kate Russell-Hobbs, Jody Winter, Linda Gibson
Background Inappropriate use of antimicrobials in both humans and animals is a key driver of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In addition, human behaviours such as poor disposal of antimicrobials in the environment can increase their exposure to microbes which can impact on humans and animals. However, evidence on access, use and disposal of antimicrobials for humans and animals at community level in Uganda is limited. This study therefore explored access, use and disposal of antimicrobials among humans and animals in Wakiso district, Uganda. Methods A qualitative study was conducted that involved focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs). Participants of the FGDs were community health workers (CHWs) and farmers involved in animal husbandry, while key informants included: officials from the Ministry of Health; Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries; human and animal health professionals; district health officials; and members of the national AMR surveillance committee. Twelve FGDs were held (8 for CHWs and 4 for farmers) while 15 KIIs were conducted. Thematic analysis in NVivo (version 12) was performed. Results Five main themes emerged from the study: access to antimicrobials in humans; access to antimicrobials in animals; use of antimicrobials in humans; use of antimicrobials in animals; and disposal of antimicrobials. Community members mainly accessed antimicrobials for humans from public health facilities such as government health centres, as well as private facilities, including drug shops and clinics. Antimicrobials for animals were obtained from veterinary practitioners and drug shops (both for humans and veterinary). Examples of inappropriate use of antimicrobials in both humans and animals was evident, such as sharing antibiotics among household members, and giving human-prescribed antimicrobials to food-producing animals as growth promoters. While some CHWs returned unused antimicrobials to public health facilities for proper disposal, community members mainly disposed of antimicrobials with general household waste including dumping in rubbish pits. Conclusions There is a need to increase awareness among the population on proper access, use and disposal of antimicrobials for both humans and animals. Development of a drug disposal system at community level would facilitate improved waste management of antimicrobials. Together, these measures would help prevent the rate of progression of AMR in communities.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice

ISSN

2052-3211

Publisher

Springer

Issue

1

Volume

14

Page range

1-12

Article number

a69

Department affiliated with

  • Primary Care and Public Health Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2022-01-12

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2022-01-12

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2022-01-12

Usage metrics

    University of Sussex (Publications)

    Categories

    No categories selected

    Licence

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC