Non-prescription dispensing of antibiotic agents among community drug retail outlets in Sub-Saharan African countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The development of antimicrobial resistance, which is partially attributable to the overuse and/or misuse of antibiotics in health care, is one of the greatest global public health challenges. In Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries, non-prescribed dispensing of antibiotics in community drug retail outlets (CDROs) has been flagged as one of the contributing factors for the widespread misuse of antibiotics in the community.

Objective

The current review aimed to estimate the proportion of non-prescription antibiotics requests or consultations that resulted in provision of antibiotics without a valid prescription among CDROs in SSA region, and describe the type of antibiotics dispensed.

Methods

A literature search was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus and

SUBMITTER: Belachew SA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7807893 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature