Factors associated with antibiotic prescribing at the outpatient, Nanyuki teaching and referral hospital, Laikipia County-Kenya

Background: There are factors that play a vital role in determining the prescribing patterns of antibiotic which include, prescriber and institution factors. Understanding this is important for tackling irrational prescribing of antibiotics. This study aimed to evaluate the factors associated with antibiotic prescribing at the outpatient department in Nanyuki Teaching and Referral Hospital, Laikipia. Methods: Knowledge, attitude and practice tool was administered to prescribers, pharmacists and clinical microbiologist to determine the factors that influence antibiotic prescribing. Qualitative analysis was used for the while important variables had data represented in frequency tables and graphs. Results: Most respondents reported having between 1-4 years and 5-9 years at 40.0% of practice experience. 82% participants reported receiving information on rational antibiotic use within the past year that changed their views on irrational use. 96% participants showed strong agreement that antimicrobial stewardship improves quality of care while 98% universally valued infection control. 94% showed strong concern about AMR with nearly 9 in 10 having prescribed them in the past week. Most source of information was local clinical guidelines. 52% identified organizational awareness campaigns as initiative for antimicrobial stewardship awareness. Overall, pharmacists’ involvement in AMS appeared limited, with stewardship roles underutilized. Conclusions: There is need of continuous medical education and stronger supervision to improve rational prescribing practices. Recommendation of the utilization of quality improvement project on antimicrobial stewardship adopted in various departments.