Survey of Typhoid Fever Treatment Practices Among Patients at Primary Health Centres in Abeokuta, Ogun State, South West Nigeria

Typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella typhi, remains a significant cause of febrile illness and hospitalization in Nigerian communities, particularly in areas with poor water sanitation. The irrational treatment of typhoid fever, including the use of ineffective or suboptimal antibiotic regimens, contributes to treatment failure, relapse, and antimicrobial resistance. This study examined typhoid fever treatment practices among patients attending primary health centres in Abeokuta, Ogun State, South West Nigeria. A retrospective review of 350 patient records diagnosed with typhoid fever over an 18-month period was conducted across eight health centres. Prescriptions were assessed for adherence to current Nigerian standard treatment guidelines, antibiotic choice, duration, and diagnostic confirmation. Results revealed that ciprofloxacin was used in 61 percent of cases, while chloramphenicol, no longer recommended due to resistance, was still prescribed in 17 percent. Diagnostic confirmation using the Widal test, though not considered the gold standard, was performed in only 43 percent of cases. Treatment duration was below the recommended 14 days in 29 percent of prescriptions. The study calls for updated training of primary health care prescribers on current typhoid management protocols and emphasizes the importance of microbiological diagnosis. Pharmacist-led prescription audits at primary health centres are recommended to identify deviations from treatment guidelines. Keywords: typhoid fever, treatment practices, primary health care, Abeokuta, antibiotic therapy