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Published on: August 30, 2018
Antibiotic use in Vietnamese hospitals: a multicenter point-prevalence study
Truong Anh Thu1, Mahbubur Rahman, Susan Coffin
1Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Young Leaders' Program in Healthcare Administration, Nagoya, Japan. truonganhthu2704@yahoo.com
American Journal of Infection Control
|February 21, 2012
Summary
Antibiotic misuse is high in Vietnamese hospitals, with about one-third of prescriptions having inappropriate indications. This highlights the need for antibiotic stewardship programs to combat antimicrobial resistance.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Pharmacy
- Public Health
Background:
- Inappropriate antibiotic prescribing is a global issue contributing to antimicrobial resistance.
- This study investigated antibiotic use and prescription appropriateness in Vietnamese hospitals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of antibiotic prescriptions in Vietnamese hospitals.
- To assess the appropriateness of antibiotic indications.
- To identify factors associated with inappropriate antibiotic prescribing.
Main Methods:
- A point-prevalence study was conducted in 36 Vietnamese general hospitals.
- Data were collected on all inpatients during a specific survey day.
- Antibiotic prescription appropriateness was evaluated using established guidelines.
Main Results:
- 67.4% of 7,571 inpatients received antibiotics; highest rates were in surgery wards (93.2%).
- Cephalosporins, penicillins, and aminoglycosides were the most common antibiotic classes.
- 1,573 of 5,104 patients (30.8%) had inappropriate antibiotic indications, associated with national hospitals, obstetrics/gynecology, and surgical wards.
Conclusions:
- Vietnamese hospitals exhibit high rates of antibiotic utilization and inappropriate prescribing.
- Findings underscore the necessity for interventions and antibiotic stewardship policies in Vietnam.
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