Antibacterial medicine use in the management of children under five years with symptoms of Acute respiratory tract infections in Northern Uganda

Abstract:

Background: Symptoms of acute respiratory tract infections (ARIs) in children under five years are usually treated with antibacterial medicines. Inappropriate use of antibacterial medicines is a major public health issue of concern since it can promote emergence of resistance, wastage of financial resources, morbidity and mortality.

Aims: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with antibacterial use in managing symptoms of ARIs in households in rural communities of northern Uganda.

Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted among households selected using multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected through interviews with care-givers of the children under five years, using a structured interviewer administered questionnaire.

Results: The prevalence of antibacterial medicines use was 60.2%(CI:54.5%-65.6%). The most commonly used antibacterials were amoxicillin n=358 (55.2%), cotrimoxazole n=100 (15.4%) and metronidazole n=74 (11.4%).The determin...