Mera A Ababneh1, Sayer I Al-Azzam1, Rawan Ababneh2, Abeer M Rababa'h1, Saddam Al Demour3. 1. Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 3030, Irbid 22110Jordan. 2. Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Royal Medical Services, Amman, Jordan. 3. Department of Special Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.
Abstract
Background: Most acute respiratory infections (ARIs) in children are due to viral etiology; however, over-prescribing of antibiotics for ARIs is common. The aim of this investigation was to identify antibiotic prescribing prevalence for children with ARIs and to identify predictors of broad-spectrum antibiotic prescribing. Methods: This was a prospective cross sectional study in a sample of ambulatory care settings in Jordan. Children (<18 years) presenting with ARIs were assessed in terms of patient's demographics, antibiotic prescription and clinical diagnosis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of broad-spectrum antibiotic prescription. Results: Antibiotics were prescribed for 78.4% (4575/5829) of children with ARIs. Antibiotic prescription for ARIs for which antibiotics are not indicated was 69.2% (2688/3883). Broad-spectrum antibiotic prescription occurred in 51.1% (2337/4575) of all antibiotic-prescribed participants. Some of the predictors of broad-spectrum antibiotic prescription were: otitis media (OR 4.93 [95% CI 3.44-7.14]), tonsillitis (OR 6.03 [95% CI 4.39-8.33]), age 0-5 years (OR 1.17 [95% CI 1.02-1.38]) compared to age 6-12 years, fever (OR 2.14 [95% CI 1.78-2.59]), outpatient setting (OR 73 [95% CI 2.17-3.42]) and military sector (OR 2.29 [95% CI 1.82-2.90]). Conclusions: Antibiotic prescribing is high and often inappropriate. Predictors of broad-spectrum antibiotic prescribing were identified. Health policy initiatives should involve all stakeholders to minimize inappropriate antibiotic prescription and to prevent poor outcomes associated with such practice.
Background: Most acute respiratory infections (ARIs) in children are due to viral etiology; however, over-prescribing of antibiotics for ARIs is common. The aim of this investigation was to identify antibiotic prescribing prevalence for children with ARIs and to identify predictors of broad-spectrum antibiotic prescribing. Methods: This was a prospective cross sectional study in a sample of ambulatory care settings in Jordan. Children (<18 years) presenting with ARIs were assessed in terms of patient's demographics, antibiotic prescription and clinical diagnosis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of broad-spectrum antibiotic prescription. Results: Antibiotics were prescribed for 78.4% (4575/5829) of children with ARIs. Antibiotic prescription for ARIs for which antibiotics are not indicated was 69.2% (2688/3883). Broad-spectrum antibiotic prescription occurred in 51.1% (2337/4575) of all antibiotic-prescribed participants. Some of the predictors of broad-spectrum antibiotic prescription were: otitis media (OR 4.93 [95% CI 3.44-7.14]), tonsillitis (OR 6.03 [95% CI 4.39-8.33]), age 0-5 years (OR 1.17 [95% CI 1.02-1.38]) compared to age 6-12 years, fever (OR 2.14 [95% CI 1.78-2.59]), outpatient setting (OR 73 [95% CI 2.17-3.42]) and military sector (OR 2.29 [95% CI 1.82-2.90]). Conclusions: Antibiotic prescribing is high and often inappropriate. Predictors of broad-spectrum antibiotic prescribing were identified. Health policy initiatives should involve all stakeholders to minimize inappropriate antibiotic prescription and to prevent poor outcomes associated with such practice.
Authors: Erika A Saliba-Gustafsson; Alexandra Dunberger Hampton; Peter Zarb; Nicola Orsini; Michael A Borg; Cecilia Stålsby Lundborg Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2019-12-18 Impact factor: 2.692
Authors: Danielle A Rankin; Nikhil K Khankari; Zaid Haddadin; Olla Hamdan; Ahmad Yanis; Samir Faouri; Asem Shehabi; John V Williams; Najwa Khuri-Bulos; Natasha B Halasa Journal: PLoS One Date: 2021-11-29 Impact factor: 3.752