Abstract:

Background: Caesarean section (CS) is a lifesaving procedure in pregnant women who suffer complications during delivery; it’s the most important risk factor for postpartum infection. It is complicated by surgical site infections, endometritis, urinary tract infections, disabilities and deaths. Antibiotics prophylaxis before CS as WHO recommendation works better on the prognosis after CS. The aim of this study was to assess usage of antibiotic in women undergoing CS at Magu District Hospital and adherence to WHO guidelines.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was done from October 2019 to September 2020. Data collected were age of the patient, gravidity, type of CS, date of CS, antibiotics prescribed, general/brand names use, doses, date of prescription and administration of antibiotic, sensitivity test, days of hospitalization, mother’s HIV status, mother and baby’s statuses at discharge.

Result: Up to 152 medical files of patients with average age of 25 years were enrolled. Antibiotics for prophylaxis were administered to 95.4% of all patients, the most commonly prescribed antibiotic were the combination of amplicillin/cloxacillin followed by metronidazole and ceftriaxone.

Conclusion: Most of the patients were given one antibiotics as pre-operative prophylaxis, in multiple doses and most drugs were prescribed only by brand names which are of concern.