Health facility-related factors contributing to antibiotic misuse among youths aged 18-30 years. Across sectional study of Bunamwaya Village, Makindye Ssabagabo, Wakiso District.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/f9yck788Keywords:
Health facility, youth aged (18-30), Wakiso district, antibiotics misuseAbstract
Background:
The aim of this study was to assess the health facility-related factors contributing to antibiotic misuse among youths aged 18-30 years in Bunamwaya Village, Makindye Ssabagabo, Wakiso District.
Methodology:
The researcher used a descriptive cross-sectional design, employing quantitative methods of data collection. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 50 respondents who were randomly sampled. Data was analyzed using the Microsoft Excel program, and data was presented in the form of tables, pie charts, and graphs.
Results:
The study showed that the majority of the participants, 23(46%), were aged between 23 and 27 years, with close to 31(62%) of the respondents being males, and 16(32%) had attained a primary level of education. Almost all participants, 46(92%), mentioned that they had ever experienced medicine shortages at healthcare facilities. In addition, 31(62%) of the respondents said that the lack of effective control and regulatory mechanisms for medicine use influences antibiotic misuse. On the other hand, about 42(84%) of the respondents mentioned that they had ever obtained antibiotics without a prescription and from those who obtained antibiotics without prescription, most 26(61.9%) mentioned that they did it because of unnecessary costs of physician visits and 33(66%) of the respondents stated that they did not have adequate health workers at the facility.
Conclusion:
The established health facility factors were: medicine shortages, inadequate control and regulatory mechanisms, and limited access to healthcare services.
Recommendations:
The policymakers should fund public health campaigns to raise awareness about the appropriate use of antibiotics and the risks of misuse among the community, especially targeting youth populations.
The health workers should collaborate with regulatory authorities to monitor antibiotic prescribing patterns and report instances of inappropriate antibiotic use for effective surveillance and intervention.
References
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Copyright (c) 2026 Ashiraf Hisonga, Jacob Usuo Kibuuka (Author)
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