Appropriateness and pattern of antibiotic prescription in pediatric patients at Adigart General Hospital, Tigray, Ethiopia

6^th World Pediatrics Conference

October 07, 2022 | Webinar

Desalegn Getnet Demsie, Adane Yehualaw, Chernet Taferre ,Abere Tilahun Bantie

Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Pediatr Neurol Med

Abstract :

Aims: Inappropriate and unnecessary use of antibiotics can increase morbidity, mortality, medical expenses or patient cost, and microbial antibiotic resistance. However, in developing countries like Ethiopia, information regarding appropriateness of antibiotic prescribing pattern to guide improvement strategies is scant. The aim of this study was to assess appropriateness and pattern of antibiotic prescription in pediatric patients. Materials and Methods: Hospital-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the antibiotic prescribing pattern in pediatric inpatient and outpatient ward of Adigrat General Hospital from December 1, 2018 to April 30, 2019. Data was collected by using structured data collection checklist, and the systematic random sampling technique was employed to enroll the required sample size during the study period. Appropriateness of drug use in pediatrics was evaluated using Ethiopian Standard Treatment guideline and WHO pediatric guideline. Results: A total of 692 pediatric patients’ medical charts were reviewed. The median age of patients on antibiotics was 3.26 years (IQR: 2-4). Majority (49.13%) of the patients were hospitalized for 5-9 days. SCAP (195), tonsillitis (114), and cellulitis (99) were most frequently encountered pediatric diseases. Penicillins (37.86%) followed by cephalosporins (31.79%) antibiotics were the most prescribed antibiotics in pediatric wards. This study also showed that ceftriaxone and ceftriaxone+amoxicillin were the most frequently used single and combination antibiotics, respectively. Conclusion: The prescribing practices were not stick to WHO core indicators and standards. Inappropriate prescription of antibiotics was observed in 28.3% of patients. Advanced age of children, children aged between 6 to 10 years (AOR = 3:225; CI = 1:070 - 9:630; P=:036) and 11-18 years (AOR = 18:691; CI = 5:156 - 67:756; P = :000), was the independent determinant of inappropriate drug use. The rate of generic prescription was not in line with WHO recommendation. Advanced age of children was the independent factor for inappropriate use of antibiotics.

Biography :

I am a dedicated lecturer and researcher. Owing to my strong interest in understanding how a molecule interferes with biological pathways, I conducted reviews on novel targets for antidepressants, COVID-19 and schizophrenia. In addition, I investigated peripheral and central analgesic, and anti-inflammatory activity of a medicinal plant using animal models. Besides reviews and experimental research, I have also efficiently been involved with research on use and safety of anti-diabetic drugs, antiretroviral agents, antibiotics, and CVS drugs.