Evaluation of Antibiotics Prescription Patterns for Upper Respiratory Tract Infections at a Tertiary Hospital in Ibadan, Oyo State, South West Nigeria

Upper respiratory tract infections are among the most common reasons for medical consultations in Nigeria, and the majority of cases are viral in etiology, making antibiotic treatment unnecessary and potentially harmful. Irrational prescribing of antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infections drives antimicrobial resistance and increases treatment costs. This study evaluated antibiotic prescribing patterns for upper respiratory tract infections at a tertiary hospital in Ibadan, Oyo State, South West Nigeria. A retrospective review of 400 patient case files diagnosed with upper respiratory tract infections over a 12-month period was conducted at the outpatient department. Prescriptions were analyzed for antibiotic type, dose, duration, and alignment with national clinical guidelines. Results showed that antibiotics were prescribed in 76 percent of upper respiratory tract infection cases, with amoxicillin-clavulanate and azithromycin being the most frequently chosen agents. Viral confirmatory testing was documented in fewer than 5 percent of cases. Prescription duration exceeded guideline recommendations in 32 percent of antibiotic-containing prescriptions. Prescribing practices did not significantly differ across specialties. These findings highlight concerning patterns of antibiotic overprescribing in Nigerian tertiary facilities and underscore the importance of antibiotic stewardship programs. The study recommends hospital-wide antibiotic stewardship committee establishment, prescriber education, and pharmacist-led prescription audits focused on respiratory infections. Keywords: antibiotic prescribing, upper respiratory tract infection, Ibadan, antibiotic stewardship, rational drug use