Improving rational antibiotic use in the Tanzanian community by assessing the knowledge and practices among prescribing health care workers
There is a high use of antibiotics against respiratory tract infections among young children in Tanzania. Most antibiotics consumed by the children are prescribed by a clinician, and in a majority of cases on questionable medical indications. This qualitative study aims to explore health worker’s experiences and practices of antibiotic prescription to children under five years of age in Moshi, Tanzania, and to assess parental/guardian experiences and attitudes on antibiotic resistance and treatment of common childhood infections.
Project supported by Gothenburg Medical Society and CARe (0.547 MSEK) for the period 2018-2020.
Project team: Rune Andersson (project leader, CARe), Matilda Emgård (CARe), Susann Skovbjerg (CARe), Margret Lepp (CARe), Sia Msuya (KCMUCo, Tanzania), Rose Mwangi (KCMUCo, Tanzania), Florida J. Muro (KCMUCo, Tanzania) and Sr. Celina Mayo (KCMUCo, Tanzania).
Description/summary
There is a high use of antibiotics against respiratory tract infections among young children in Tanzania. Most antibiotics consumed by the children are prescribed by a clinician, and in a majority of cases on questionable medical indications. This qualitative study aims to explore health worker’s experiences and practices of antibiotic prescription to children under five years of age in Moshi, Tanzania, and to assess parental/guardian experiences and attitudes on antibiotic resistance and treatment of common childhood infections. Using a phenomenographic approach with ethnographic observations, data will be collected during two months in 2019. Interviews will be performed with a total of 15-20 prescribing health workers in 6-8 health care facilities representing different geographical and socioeconomic parts of Moshi urban district. Focus group discussions will be held with parents attending the health facilities, each group consisting of 7-8 parents. The results of this study may affect how interventions for improving rational antibiotic usage in the community should most effectively be developed in the Moshi area, Tanzania.