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Published on: May 2, 2018
[Trends in antibiotic consumption in Spain, 1985-2000]
Edurne Lázaro Bengoa1, Mariano Madurga Sanz, Francisco J de Abajo Iglesias
1División de Farmacoepidemiología y Farmacovigilancia. Agencia Española del Medicamento. Madrid. Spain.
Antibiotic consumption in Spain decreased since 1996, primarily due to reduced use of wide-spectrum penicillins. Significant regional variations in antibiotic use persist, warranting further investigation into prescribing patterns.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Public Health
- Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases
Context:
- Antibiotic consumption is a key indicator of antimicrobial stewardship and resistance.
- Understanding national and regional trends is crucial for effective public health interventions.
Purpose:
- To analyze the 16-year trend of antibiotic consumption within Spain's National Health System (NHS).
- To identify patterns and variations in antibiotic use across Spain's Autonomous Communities (AC).
Summary:
- Antibiotic consumption in Spain showed three distinct phases: a decrease until 1989, an increase until 1996 (driven by new macrolides, cephalosporins, quinolones), and a sustained decline thereafter.
- The decline since 1996 is mainly attributed to reduced use of wide-spectrum penicillins, likely influenced by public health campaigns promoting rational antibiotic use.
- Significant disparities in antibiotic consumption levels were observed between different Autonomous Communities, despite similar usage patterns.
Impact:
- Provides data to inform public health policies aimed at optimizing antibiotic prescribing.
- Highlights the need for further research into the causes of inter-regional differences in antibiotic consumption.
- Contributes to the understanding of antimicrobial stewardship effectiveness in a national healthcare system.
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