Public perceptions on the use of antibiotics at a market place in Kumasi, Ghana: A cross-sectional study

Background Ghana launched its National Action Plan (NAP) to curb the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in 2017. The current study was designed to gather data on public perception concerning antibiotic use by surveying a population at Kejetia market in Kumasi with the aim of informing the design and implementation of public health campaigns linked to the NAP in Ghana. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Kejetia market in Kumasi, Ghana between November 2017 and January 2018. Participants were adults over 18 years of age and data were gathered via a questionnaire regarding participants’ perceptions on the acquisition, use and disposal of antibiotics. Results The number of participants was 302, of which nearly 60% were female. Statistically significant associations were identified between gender and level of education (p<0.05, Fisher’s exact test). Amoxicillin and metronidazole were the most commonly used antibiotics. Females were three times more likely to use these agents for diarrhoea than males, and more likely to purchase them from non-pharmacy outlets and market pedlars. Conclusion This study shows access to, and the misuse of, antibiotics without prescriptions amongst the surveyed population. Antibiotics were used more by females and by people with a lower level of education. This research highlights antibiotic misuse within a target population that needs addressing by implementation of the NAP.