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[Use of antimicrobial drugs in an urban population]

Laura S Berquó1, Aluísio J D Barros, Rosângela C Lima

  • 1Programa de Pós-graduação em Epidemiologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brasil.

Revista De Saude Publica
|May 4, 2004
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Antimicrobial drug use was 8% in an urban Brazilian community, higher in young children and women. Most prescriptions were for respiratory infections, with penicillins being the most common drug.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health
  • Pharmacology

Context:

  • Rising global concern over multiresistant microorganisms linked to antibiotic overuse.
  • Need to understand antimicrobial drug consumption patterns in diverse populations.
  • Previous studies highlight the association between antibiotic misuse and antimicrobial resistance.

Purpose:

  • To investigate the prevalence and patterns of antimicrobial drug usage in an urban community in Pelotas, Brazil.
  • To identify demographic groups with higher antimicrobial drug consumption.
  • To determine the primary clinical indications and drug classes involved in antimicrobial use.

Summary:

  • A cross-sectional study surveyed 6,145 individuals on their antimicrobial drug use in the past 30 days.
  • Overall prevalence of antimicrobial drug use was 8%, with higher rates in children under 4 (14%) and women (9%).
  • Respiratory tract infections (50%) were the leading indication, followed by urinary tract infections (16%); penicillins (41%) were the most frequently prescribed drugs.

Impact:

  • Findings indicate a need for targeted interventions to optimize antimicrobial prescribing, particularly for respiratory conditions.
  • Highlights the importance of public health strategies to reduce unnecessary antimicrobial use and combat resistance.
  • Suggests potential for reducing antimicrobial consumption by addressing viral respiratory infections where antibiotics offer no benefit.

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