Determinants Impacting the Use of Antibiotics Among Patients Visiting the Dental Clinic at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital in Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality, Western Uganda

The primary objective of this investigation was to identify the factors influencing the usage of antibiotics among patients seeking care at the Dental Clinic within Kampala International University Teaching Hospital, situated in Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality, Western Uganda. The study employed a cross-sectional hospital-based survey, gathering data between February and July 2022. This design enables the collection of specific parameters at a single point in time. Analyzed data was presented through tables and figures, illustrating frequencies and proportions. For continuous variables, univariate analysis was conducted, presenting measures of central tendency (such as mean, median, and mode) and measures of dispersion (like range, interquartile range, and standard deviation) for various independent variables. The study revealed that financial constraints were cited by patients and health center nurses as a significant factor causing delays in seeking dental care and occasionally resulting in non-attendance at the dental department. From interviews, patient-related factors emerged, including knowledge about oral health services, awareness of services offered in dental clinics, perceived necessity, fear, anxiety, and access to oral health services. Consequently, the study recommended an enhancement in oral health education initiatives, particularly leveraging media channels, due to a shortage of community oral health personnel. The aim is to extensively educate the population about preventing oral diseases and the appropriate timing for seeking oral health services, enabling individuals to make well-informed decisions regarding their oral health. Keywords: Antibiotics, bacterial infections, Dental Clinic, Oral health.