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Antibiotic prescribing for acute respiratory infections in children in Jordan

Mera A Ababneh1, Sayer I Al-Azzam1, Rawan Ababneh2

  • 1Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 3030, Irbid 22110Jordan.

International Health
|March 25, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Antibiotic prescribing for children with acute respiratory infections (ARIs) is high and frequently inappropriate. Key predictors for broad-spectrum antibiotic use in pediatric ARIs were identified, highlighting the need for policy changes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Antimicrobial stewardship
  • Public health policy

Background:

  • Most childhood acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are viral, yet antibiotic over-prescription is common.
  • This study addresses the prevalence of antibiotic prescribing for pediatric ARIs and identifies factors influencing broad-spectrum antibiotic use.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of antibiotic prescribing for children with ARIs.
  • To identify predictors associated with broad-spectrum antibiotic prescribing in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted in ambulatory care settings in Jordan.
  • Data collected included patient demographics, clinical diagnoses, and antibiotic prescriptions for children under 18 presenting with ARIs.
  • Multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to identify predictors of broad-spectrum antibiotic use.

Main Results:

  • Antibiotics were prescribed in 78.4% of pediatric ARI cases, with 69.2% of prescriptions for conditions not indicated for antibiotics.
  • Broad-spectrum antibiotics were prescribed in 51.1% of cases receiving antibiotics.
  • Predictors for broad-spectrum antibiotic use included otitis media, tonsillitis, younger age (0-5 years), fever, and outpatient/military settings.

Conclusions:

  • Antibiotic prescribing for pediatric ARIs is high and often inappropriate.
  • Specific clinical conditions and demographic factors predict the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics.
  • Health policy interventions involving all stakeholders are crucial to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use and prevent adverse outcomes.
Abstract

Keywords:
Acute respiratory infectionsAntibioticsBroad-spectrum antibioticsChildrenJordanOver-prescription

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