Prevalence, associated risk factors, and consequences of medication errors in poultry practice in Wakiso district

Abstract

Medication errors are a serious health challenge in both humans and animals including in poultry practice in Uganda. However, limited information exists on the extent of burden of medication errors, risk factors and its associated consequences in poultry practice in Wakiso district. Aim: The study assessed the prevalence, risk factors, and associated consequences of Medication errors in poultry practice in Wakiso District. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 492 of 241 poultry farmers, 137 veterinary paraprofessionals and 69 veterinary surgeons who were involved in poultry practice in Wakiso district, Uganda's top poultry producer, where a large market for poultry products drives intensive use of medicines. It involved systematic sampling of poultry farmers, convenient sampling of veterinarians, and cluster sampling of veterinary paraprofessionals. Data was collected through structured researcher-administered interviews, using a designed tool as a guide. Medication error tracking form was used to capture medication errors, associated consequences and risk factors. Data was analyzed using STATA Version 17. Results: Of 492 participants approached, 455 participated in the study with a response rate of 92.0%. Among 455 participants, 83.5% (380/455; CI: 80.0% - 87.0% ) committed MEs, with the most prevalent being administration errors (87.5%, 336/384, CI: 83.8% - 91.2%). Veterinary paraprofessionals (99.2%, 119/120, CI: 97.6 - 100%) and poultry farmers (36.6%, 97/265, CI: 22.4 - 44.4% ) were engaged I n the prescription of poultry medicines. Risk factors to MEs reported included lack of laboratory tests (AOR = 8.4, CI 2.1 - 34.4) and lower education levels (AOR= 2.9, CI 0.7 - 12.5). Significant consequences included increased poultry mortality rates (OR = 9.2, CI 1.3 - 65.9), birds treated for longer time (OR = 8.1, CI 1.2 - 55.0) and economic losses (OR =6.6, CI 1.7 - 26.7). Conclusion: Medication errors are a common problem in poultry practice in the Wakiso district, with a prevalence of 83.5%, with administration errors being the most common encountered. Major risk factors to MEs included lower education levels and absence of laboratory tests. Consequences of MEs reported in poultry practice included high death rates, prolonged treatment durations, and significant economic losses. The findings emphasize the need for enhanced training, better diagnostics, and improved regulatory enforcement to mitigate medication errors and improve poultry health and productivity.