Patterns of antimicrobial use in Qatar's hospitals: Results from the first national point prevalence survey

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a serious global public health crisis. Optimizing antimicrobial use is critical to slowing the occurrence and spread of resistant pathogens.

Between September 9 and 27, 2022, a point prevalence survey (PPS) for antimicrobial use was conducted in 17 hospitals in Qatar. All patients admitted to the hospital wards at 8:00 a.m. on survey day constituted the sample. Data included patients' characteristics, antimicrobials received, and therapeutic indications.

Among the 1733 inpatients surveyed, 811 (46.8%) received at least one antimicrobial. Of 1158 antimicrobial prescriptions, antibacterial agents constituted 82.9% (n = 961), 913 systemic antibacterials and 48 antimycobacterial agents. Parenteral administration predominated (83.3%, n = 676). Indications were documented for 96.3% (n = 1116) of prescriptions. Antimicrobials were prescribed for community-acquired infections (41.4%, n = 479), followed by medical prophylaxis (16.8%, n = 194). Third-generation cephalosporins (16.8%) and penicillin/ β-lactamase inhibitor combinations (15.5%) were most frequently prescribed. For community-acquired infections, penicillin combinations (22%) and third-generation cephalosporins (21%) were preferred. First-generation cephalosporins comprised 46% of surgical prophylaxis prescriptions. WHO AWaRe classification showed 35.5% Access and 40.4% Watch group prescriptions.

Antimicrobial use in Qatar hospitals was generally high, with broad-spectrum antimicrobials predominating. These findings underscore the urgent need for sector-specific targeted antimicrobial stewardship programs to optimize usage.