Antifungal Prescribing Pattern and Attitude Towards the Treatment of Candidiasis amongst Medical Doctors in the Buea Health District Southwest Region
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1 Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
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2 Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
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3 Department of Biomedical Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
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4 Department of Biochemistry, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Candidiasis a fungal infection caused by candida species. It is a significant public health concern worldwide. The treatment of candidiasis relies heavily on antifungal medications, which are often prescribed empirically. However, the increasing prevalence of antifungal resistance and lack of standardized treatment guidelines have raised concerns about the appropriateness of current antifungal prescription.
METHODS:
A validated questionnaire was developed and tested before been distributed to medical doctors from various healthcare facilities in the Buea Health District. Antifungal prescription data was also collected from the medical records booklets of the regional hospital. Laboratory results from patients at Buea Regional Hospital were also analyzed to identify the major Candida species
RESULTS:
Of the 120 questionnaires distributed 114 was returned complete and included for analysis. First-line treatments for candidiasis by doctors, revealed the following commonly prescribed antifungal agents in decreasing order: for uncomplicated vulvovaginal candidiasis, fluconazole (43.0%), nystatin (16.7%); for oral thrush, fluconazole (51.8%) and nystatin (37.7%); for cutaneous candidiasis, miconazole (33.3%) and ketoconazole (28.1%); and for oesophageal candidiasis, fluconazole (63.2%). Treatment durations varied, with VVC typically prescribed for 3-7 days (55.3%), oral thrush for 7-14 days (74.6%), cutaneous candidiasis for more than 14 days (54.4%), and oesophageal candidiasis for 14-21 days (42.1%). In candidemia, combination therapy was preferred for both non-neutropenic (33.3%) and neutropenic patients (42.1%), with treatment durations of 10-14 days (45.6%) for non-neutropenic and individualized durations for neutropenic patients. A general positive attitude towards treatment of candidiasis was recorded from respondents. Some gaps in knowledge regarding specific treatment protocols were identified. The major candida specie isolated from patients attending the Buea Regional Hospital was Candida albicans.
CONCLUSIONS:
Medical doctors exhibits a general positive attitude towards the treatment of candidiasis with a good knowledge on the various types of candidiasis. Fluconazole and Nystatin are the most popular choices of antifungal agents
Candidiasis a fungal infection caused by candida species. It is a significant public health concern worldwide. The treatment of candidiasis relies heavily on antifungal medications, which are often prescribed empirically. However, the increasing prevalence of antifungal resistance and lack of standardized treatment guidelines have raised concerns about the appropriateness of current antifungal prescription.
METHODS:
A validated questionnaire was developed and tested before been distributed to medical doctors from various healthcare facilities in the Buea Health District. Antifungal prescription data was also collected from the medical records booklets of the regional hospital. Laboratory results from patients at Buea Regional Hospital were also analyzed to identify the major Candida species
RESULTS:
Of the 120 questionnaires distributed 114 was returned complete and included for analysis. First-line treatments for candidiasis by doctors, revealed the following commonly prescribed antifungal agents in decreasing order: for uncomplicated vulvovaginal candidiasis, fluconazole (43.0%), nystatin (16.7%); for oral thrush, fluconazole (51.8%) and nystatin (37.7%); for cutaneous candidiasis, miconazole (33.3%) and ketoconazole (28.1%); and for oesophageal candidiasis, fluconazole (63.2%). Treatment durations varied, with VVC typically prescribed for 3-7 days (55.3%), oral thrush for 7-14 days (74.6%), cutaneous candidiasis for more than 14 days (54.4%), and oesophageal candidiasis for 14-21 days (42.1%). In candidemia, combination therapy was preferred for both non-neutropenic (33.3%) and neutropenic patients (42.1%), with treatment durations of 10-14 days (45.6%) for non-neutropenic and individualized durations for neutropenic patients. A general positive attitude towards treatment of candidiasis was recorded from respondents. Some gaps in knowledge regarding specific treatment protocols were identified. The major candida specie isolated from patients attending the Buea Regional Hospital was Candida albicans.
CONCLUSIONS:
Medical doctors exhibits a general positive attitude towards the treatment of candidiasis with a good knowledge on the various types of candidiasis. Fluconazole and Nystatin are the most popular choices of antifungal agents
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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