Changes in antimicrobial use prevalence in China: results from five point prevalence studies

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Pharmacology
• Public Health

Background:

• Antimicrobial abuse is a significant public health concern in China.
• National surveillance networks have been established to monitor antimicrobial usage.
• Previous efforts aimed to improve the rational prescription of antimicrobials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the dynamic changes in antimicrobial use in China from 2001 to 2010.
• To identify specific targets for improving antimicrobial prescription practices.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of implemented antimicrobial stewardship measures.

Main Methods:

• Five point prevalence surveys conducted in Chinese hospitals between 2001 and 2010.
• Inclusion of all inpatients admitted for at least 24 hours.
• Recording of antimicrobial use and collection of bacterial culture samples from patients receiving therapeutic antimicrobials.

Main Results:

• Overall antimicrobial use prevalence decreased from 54.79% in 2001 to 46.63% in 2010.
• The proportion of patients receiving a single antimicrobial increased, while polypharmacy decreased.
• Bacterial culture rates and single antimicrobial use were higher in teaching hospitals compared to non-teaching hospitals in 2010.

Conclusions:

• Measures to enhance rational antimicrobial use have shown some effectiveness.
• Continued efforts are necessary to further optimize antimicrobial prescribing.
• The study provides valuable data to guide future antimicrobial stewardship initiatives in China.