Antibiotic prescribing in Libyan dental practice: a cross-sectional study
Objectives: To investigate the therapeutic prescribing of antibiotics by Libyan dentist, its associated factors and whether current turmoil has affected it. Methods: A self- administered questionnaire was handed to all practicing dentists in Benghazi between June and September 2016. The questions were open ended and close ended style, and covered demographic and professional information, awareness of antibiotic resistance and its perceived reasons, current practices and reasons for prescribing antibiotics, and commonly used antibiotics in dental practice. Data was analysed using SPSS software. Non-parametric and Pearson’s correlation statistical tests were conducted with significance level set at 0.05. Results: Of 180 questionnaires distributed, 125 complete questionnaires were returned and included in the analysis, giving a response rate of 70%. The majority of respondents were females (64%), have BDS only (73%) and graduated more than 5 years ago (80%). Although the majority claimed awareness of current antibiotic prescription guidelines, only third of them indicated following these guidelines on a regular basis. Dentists working in both private and public sectors were more likely to be aware of the guidelines (p=0.015). Patient self-medication was the most common perceived cause for antibiotic resistance (32/60). The most frequently prescribed antibiotics were amoxicillin, metronidazole, and Augmentin. The data shows that antibiotics were unnecessarily prescribed to several and systemic conditions such as a dry socket, chronic periodontists, and localised fluctuant swellings. A delay of treatment was the most common non-dental reason for prescribing antibiotics (43%). Younger dentists, BDS holders, and government sector workers were more likely to prescribe antibiotics (p≤0.05). Conclusions: The therapeutic use of antibiotics in Libyan dental practice is suboptimal and varies by dentists’ experience and working sector. There is a clear need for the development of policy and educational initiatives to encourage the adoption of evidence-based guidelines for the appropriate use of the antibiotics in Libyan dental practice.