Antibiotic prescribing patterns at outpatient clinics in Western and Coastal Kenya

2025

Antibiotic Prescribing Patterns in Kenya

Sample size: 1059 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Kiener Melanie, Ichura Caroline, Ndenga Bryson A., Mutuku Francis M., Winter Christabel A., Okuta Victoria, Mwambingu Laura, Ogamba Kevin, Shaita Karren N., Ronga Charles, Chebii Philip, Amugongo Jael, Malumbo Said, Godana Omar, Jembe Zainab, Ng’ang’a Charles, Mazera Mwangosho, LaBeaud A. Desiree

Primary Institution: Stanford University School of Medicine

Hypothesis

What factors are associated with antibiotic prescriptions among patients presenting to clinics in Kenya?

Conclusion

High rates of antibiotic prescriptions are common in Kenya, even when associated diagnoses are not bacterial.

Supporting Evidence

73% of encounters resulted in an antibiotic prescription.
84% of children under 5 received antibiotics.
48% of visits had antibiotics prescribed without a bacterial diagnosis.
Factors associated with increased odds of antibiotic prescription included age ≤ 18 and clinic location.
High rates of antibiotic use contribute to increased antibiotic resistance.

Takeaway

Doctors in Kenya often give antibiotics to kids and adults, even when they might not need them. This can lead to more germs that don't get better with medicine.

Methodology

A retrospective, descriptive cohort study analyzing sick visits at outpatient clinics in Western and Coastal Kenya from December 2019 to February 2022.