Prescribing patterns of antibiotics in pediatric wards of secondary care centers: A retrospective study based on WHO AWaRe classification

Document Type

Article

Department

Paediatrics and Child Health

Abstract

Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to global public health, with substantial mortality rates attributed to AMR-related infections. Pediatric populations face heightened vulnerability due to prevalent antimicrobial misuse. This study aimed at addressing the significant threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and its associated mortality rates.
Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional multicentric study investigated antibiotic prescribing patterns in pediatric wards of 4 secondary care hospitals affiliated with Aga Khan University Hospital. The study utilized the WHO Access, Watch, and Reserve (AWaRe) classification framework. Data from 6934 encounters were analyzed.
Results: Antibiotics were prescribed in 78.1% of encounters, with intravenous administration being predominant (98.6%). Ceftriaxone was the most prescribed antibiotic agent (45.8%), and third-generation cephalosporins constituted the most prevalent antibiotic class (54.4%). Pneumonia exhibited the highest prescription rate (99.9%), with Watch group antibiotics being predominantly prescribed (>80%) across hospitals.
Conclusion: These findings underscore the urgency for targeted interventions to optimize prescribing practices and mitigate resistance.

Comments

Volume, issue and pagination are not provided by the author/publisher.

Publication (Name of Journal)

Global Pediatric Health

DOI

10.1177/2333794X241291409

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