Abstract:
Aims: Antibiotic prophylaxis is a recognized measure for preventing post-operative infection after
Caesarean delivery and it is expedient that Obstetricians be aware and practice recommended
regimen. This study aimed at ascertaining the knowledge and practice of antibiotic prophylaxis, and
reason(s) behind any deviation from established standard among Nigerian Obstetricians.
Study Design: This is a cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the annual conference of the Society of
Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON) held in November, 2015 at Abuja, Nigeria.
Methodology: A total of 191 consecutive residents and consultant Obstetricians returned correctly
filled questionnaires during the survey carried out at the annual conference of the Society ofGynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON) held in November, 2015. The respondent’s
demographic characteristics, practice of prophylactic antibiotics, awareness of evidenced-based
regimen and reason for respondent’s regimen were obtained. The data was analyzed using Epi info
version 3.5.4 (CDC, Atlanta, Georgia, USA).
Results: Most of the respondents were consultants [153(80.1%)], and all the respondents
[191(100%)] were aware of antibiotic prophylaxis during Caesarean delivery. Nevertheless, only 124
knew about an evidence-based regimen, out of which 30(24.2%) practice it, while 94(75.8%) did not
for fear of increased risk of post-operative sepsis that might result from poor aseptic techniques in
the theatre.
Conclusion: Despite high awareness, there is non-conformity in observance of standard practice of
antibiotic prophylaxis among Nigerian resident and consultant Obstetricians during Caesarean
section.
