The use of antibiotics in the university hospitals of Conakry: evaluation of the consumption and the analysis of determinants

peer reviewedBackground: The main objectives of this study were to evaluate the use of antibiotics; assess the knowledge and perception of prescribers regarding the use of antibiotics; to describe the policy on the use of antibiotics and to identify factors associated with high antibiotic consumption at the University Hospital of Conakry. Methods: This study has two components: a retrospective study covering three months' consumption of antibiotics (From January 2013 to March 2013), and a cross-sectional study on both the knowledge and perception of prescribers concerning the use of antibiotics and the policies on their proper use. Results: Of a total of 1,199 cases examined at the University Hospital of Conakry, 953 patients received at least one antibiotic about 79.5% of the total cases. The total amount consumed was 55.3 DDD / 100 BD. The class of the Extended-spectrum penicillin’s was widely the most used at 22.9 DDD / 100 BD. The median knowledge score of prescribers; valued at a total of 8, was equal to 5. The Composite Index for proper use of Antibiotic (CIATB) was 2.25 / 20. Determinants or factors associated with the large use of antibiotics were the hospital site, the ward and the average length of stay. Conclusion: Based on the results of our study, it appears that lot antibiotics are largely consumed at the University Hospital of Conakry; and that consumption are influenced by the hospital site, the ward and the length of stay. This study reveals also the absence of any policy of the rational use of antibiotics. Therefore, the study illustrates the need for the implementation of an antimicrobial stewardship action

The effects of nutritional supplementation on body mass index and CD4 count among adult people living with HIV aids on antiretroviral treatment in Conakry, Guinea

Whereas the HIV prevalence in Guinea is among the lowest in Africa, many PLHIV in Guinea are malnourished. This study assessed the effect of a nutritional supplementation program on body mass index and CD4 count among adult PLHIV on ART. Study participants were PLHIV who came for consultation in the study sites between May and July 2016. The data came from two sources: retrospectively from participants’ medical records and interviews at the time of recruitment into the study. About six months before they were recruited into the study, some of the PLHIV started to receive a monthly nutritional supplementation consisting of Corn-Soy Blend and oil. Analytic methods included bivariate and multivariable methods. The intervention increased the mean BMI by 7.4% and the average current CD4 count by 4.7% compared to non-intervention (p<. 001). Programs in low resource settings should consider nutrition assistance as part of a comprehensive strategy to ensure optimal metabolic and immunological functions among PLHIV