Trends in Community Antibiotic Dispensing for Children and Young People in Aotearoa New Zealand, 2010-2019: Implications for Antimicrobial Stewardship
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Community antibiotic dispensing to children and young people in New Zealand declined overall between 2010-2019. Antibiotic stewardship improved, though cefalexin dispensing significantly increased, warranting further investigation.
Area Of Science
- Pharmacology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background
- Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health concern.
- Effective antimicrobial stewardship is crucial for preserving antibiotic efficacy.
- Understanding community antibiotic dispensing patterns in children is vital for public health initiatives.
Purpose Of The Study
- To analyze trends in community systemic antibiotic dispensing for children and young people (0-14 years) in New Zealand from 2010 to 2019.
- To assess changes in antibiotic prescribing practices and the impact of stewardship programs.
- To identify demographic and regional variations in antibiotic use.
Main Methods
- Utilized dispensing data from the National Pharmaceuticals Collection and population data from Te Whatu Ora.
- Described dispensing rates using defined daily doses per 1000 inhabitants per day (DID) and courses dispensed per 1000 inhabitants per year.
- Analyzed annual percentage change (APC) to quantify dispensing trends.
Main Results
- Total antibiotic dispensing decreased annually (APC -3.4% for courses, -0.67% for DID).
- Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid dispensing declined significantly (APC -9.5%), while cefalexin increased dramatically (APC +53.7%).
- Highest dispensing rates were in children aged 0-4 years, Pacific patients, and lowest socioeconomic quintiles. Antibiotic stewardship improved, with Access antibiotics increasing from 83% to 91%.
Conclusions
- Findings suggest improved prescribing practices, likely due to antimicrobial stewardship programs.
- A significant increase in cefalexin dispensing requires further investigation into its causes and potential risks.
- Continued monitoring of antibiotic use in pediatric populations is essential for antimicrobial stewardship efforts.
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