Knowledge and perception regarding surgical antibiotic prophylaxis among physicians in the department of obstetrics and gynecology

Abstract

Background: Evidence shows that compliance with surgical antibiotic prophylaxis (SAP) among obstetricians and gynecologists is poor. This study evaluates the knowledge and perceptions regarding SAP among doctors in Obstetrics and Gynecology units. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among physicians in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in two public tertiary hospitals in Nigeria. Data was collected using a 30-item validated and pre tested self-administered questionnaire, and analyzed using SPSS. Results: A total of 41 respondents (response rate: 68.3%) returned the survey with a male preponderance (61%). Medical officers (Senior Registrars and Registrars) constituted almost two-third (63.4%) of the respondents. Only 26.8% had attended a workshop, seminar, conference or clinical meeting regarding SAP. Most respondents were not aware of the most common organism that causes surgical site infection and the appropriate time and duration of SAP. However, majority (90%) knew that the inappropriate use of SAP could lead to antibiotic resistance. More than two-third agreed that SAP malpractices were due to the lack of knowledge about SAP and poor awareness regarding antibiotic resistance. More than 90% agreed that education, audit and feedback, and guidelines would improve compliance with SAP. Respondents with 6–10 years working experience had significantly higher knowledge score than those with 1 –5 years experience. Respondents who had not attended any workshop or course pertaining to SAP had more positive perception. Conclusion: Respondents demonstrated inadequate knowledge of SAP and most of them were aware that inappropriate use of SAP could lead to antibiotic resistance.