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Basnet S, Koju P, Silwal P, Karki A, Mainali S, Sapkota P, Madhup SK, Shrestha SK. Antibiotic prescription patterns in the emergency department of a tertiary healthcare center in Nepal: a descriptive cross-sectional study. J Int Med Res 2024; 52:3000605241274513. [PMID: 39238436 PMCID: PMC11378181 DOI: 10.1177/03000605241274513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/07/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe antibiotic prescription patterns in the emergency department (ED) of a tertiary healthcare center in Nepal. METHODS This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of hospital records of patients who visited the ED. RESULTS Of the 758 ED patients included in the study, 384 (50.6%) received a total of 536 antibiotic prescriptions. Common indications for antibiotic prescriptions included respiratory infection (37.5%), gastrointestinal infection (19.3%), urinary infection (10.4%), and prophylaxis (29.9%). Antibiotics listed as essential in the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) and generic formulations were used in 77.1% and 61.9% of the antibiotic prescriptions, respectively. Injectable antibiotics were prescribed to 54.9% of the 384 patients. Frequently prescribed antibiotics included ceftriaxone (34.1%), metronidazole (18.5%), amoxicillin + clavulanic acid (15.9%), and cefixime (14.3%). Bacterial culture testing was performed in 15.1% of the patients who received antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that overuse of antibiotics, prescription of branded antibiotics, prescription of antibiotics not listed in the NLEM, prophylactic use of antibiotics, and empirical treatment of suspected infections without isolation of pathogens were all prevalent. We recommend more research to determine the causes underlying these practices and develop interventions to limit such practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samjhana Basnet
- Department of General Practice and Emergency Medicine, Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Kavrepalanchowk, Nepal
| | - Pramesh Koju
- Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Kavrepalanchowk, Nepal
| | - Prabhat Silwal
- Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Kavrepalanchowk, Nepal
| | - Aashish Karki
- Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Kavrepalanchowk, Nepal
| | - Sumina Mainali
- Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Kavrepalanchowk, Nepal
| | - Prakash Sapkota
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Kavrepalanchowk, Nepal
| | - Surendra Kumar Madhup
- Department of Microbiology, Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Kavrepalanchowk, Nepal
| | - Sanu Krishna Shrestha
- Department of General Practice and Emergency Medicine, Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Kavrepalanchowk, Nepal
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Parajuli A, Garbovan L, Bhattarai B, Arjyal A, Baral S, Cooke P, Latham S, Barrington DJ, Mitchell J, King R. Exploring community insights on antimicrobial resistance in Nepal: a formative qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:57. [PMID: 38212733 PMCID: PMC10782613 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-10470-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the process by which microbes evolve mechanisms to survive the medicines designed to destroy them i.e. antimicrobials (AMs). Despite being a natural process, AMR is being hastened by the abuse of AMs. In context of Nepal, there is limited information on drivers of AMR and barriers in addressing it from a community perspective. This study explores the local language and terminology used around AMs in the community, commonly used AMs and reasons for their usage, how these AMs are sourced, and the perceived barriers to addressing AMR via One Health approach. METHODS A phenomenological study design was utilized with applied qualitative research theoretically framed as pragmatism. Twelve in-depth interviews and informal discussions with a One Health focus, were purposively conducted with wide range of stakeholders and community resident of Kapilvastu municipality of Nepal during April 2022. The acquired data was analyzed manually via a thematic framework approach. The study obtained ethical approval from ethical review board of Nepal Health Research Council and University of Leeds. RESULTS Nepali and Awadhi languages does not have specific words for AMs or AMR, which is understandable by the community people. Rather, community use full explanatory sentences. People use AMs but have incomplete knowledge about them and they have their own local words for these medicines. The knowledge and usage of AMs across human and animal health is impacted by socio-structural factors, limited Government regulation, inadequate supply of AMs in local government health facilities and the presence of various unregulated health providers that co-exist within the health system. Novel ideas such as the use of visual and smart technology, for instance mobile phones and social media exposure, can enable access to information about AMs and AMR. CONCLUSION This study shows that terminology that is understandable by the community referring to AMs and AMR in Nepali and Awadhi languages does not exist, but full explanatory sentences and colloquial names are used. Despite regular utilisation, communities have incomplete knowledge regarding AMs. Since, knowledge alone cannot improve behaviour, behavioural interventions are required to address AMR via community engagement to co-produce their own solutions. TRIAL REGISTRATION Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lidis Garbovan
- Centre for World Cinema and Digital Cultures, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | | | | | | | - Paul Cooke
- Centre for World Cinema and Digital Cultures, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Sophia Latham
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Chester High Road, Neston, Liverpool, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Dani J Barrington
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Perth, Western, 6009, Australia
| | - Jessica Mitchell
- Nuffield Centre for International Health and Development, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Rebecca King
- Nuffield Centre for International Health and Development, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
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Satria YAA, Utami MS, Prasudi A. Prevalence of antibiotics prescription amongst patients with and without COVID-19 in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Pathog Glob Health 2023; 117:437-449. [PMID: 36562085 PMCID: PMC10262768 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2022.2160892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a substantial risk to public health. In low-income and middle-income (LMICs) nations, the impact of AMR is significantly more severe. The absence of data from low-income countries (LMICs) causes this topic to be frequently overlooked. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic could make the AMR issue even worse. Earlier guidelines recommended antibiotic use in patients with COVID-19, even in those without bacterial coinfection. This study aims to investigate the proportion of antibiotic prescriptions in LMICs among patients with and without coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), the proportion of inappropriate antibiotics, and multi-antibiotic prescribing. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA). We retrieved data through online databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. Amongst COVID-19 patients, the meta-analytic estimate of antibiotic prescription was 0.80 (95% CI: 0.72-0.88), whereas antibiotic use among patients with non-COVID-19 infections was 0.54 (95% CI: 0.49-0.58). Half of those prescribed antibiotics (0.52, 95% CI: 0.32-0.72) are inappropriate prescriptions. In addition, we found that one-third of antibiotics prescriptions consisted of more than one antibiotic (0.32, 95% CI: 0.21-0.43). In conclusion, antibiotics are highly prescribed across LMICs, and their use is increased in patients with COVID-19. Amongst those prescriptions, inappropriate and multiple use was not uncommon. This study has several limitations, as it included two studies in an ambulatory setting, and some of the studies included in the analysis were conducted on a small scale. Nevertheless, our findings suggest that urgent action to improve prescribing practices is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Monica Suci Utami
- Undergraduate Program, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Sleman, Indonesia
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Poluektova O, Robertson DA, Rafferty A, Cunney R, Lunn PD. A scoping review and behavioural analysis of factors underlying overuse of antimicrobials. JAC Antimicrob Resist 2023; 5:dlad043. [PMID: 37168837 PMCID: PMC10164659 DOI: 10.1093/jacamr/dlad043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Overuse of antimicrobials is a challenging global issue that contributes to antimicrobial resistance. Despite widespread awareness of the problem among members of the medical community and various attempts to improve prescription practices, existing antimicrobial stewardship programmes are not always effective. In our view, this may reflect limited understanding of factors that influence prescription of antimicrobials as empirical therapy, implying a need to address the psychological mechanisms behind some of the specific behaviours involved. Objectives To identify factors that influence the antimicrobials prescription as empirical therapy, and to relate these factors to findings from behavioural science. Methods We conducted a scoping review of the literature on the factors underlying antimicrobial prescription decisions, following the protocol designed using PRISMA guidelines. Results and conclusions From a final sample of 90 sources, we identified ten factors important in antimicrobial prescription decisions. In the second stage of our analysis, we grouped them into five final categories: (1) nature of the decision, (2) social influences, (3) individual differences, (4) characteristics of the patient, (5) context. We analyse these categories using a behavioural science perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Poluektova
- Behavioural Research Unit, The Economic and Social Research Institute, Whitaker Square, Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Ireland
- Trinity College Dublin, School of Social Science and Philosophy, Department of Sociology (Visiting Research Fellow), Dublin, Ireland
| | - Deirdre A Robertson
- Behavioural Research Unit, The Economic and Social Research Institute, Whitaker Square, Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Ireland
- Trinity College Dublin, School of Psychology, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aisling Rafferty
- Children’s Health Ireland, Department of Pharmacy, Dublin, Ireland
- University of Birmingham, School of Pharmacy, Institute of Clinical Sciences,Birmingham, UK
| | - Robert Cunney
- Children’s Health Ireland, Irish Meningitis and Sepsis Reference Laboratory, Dublin, Ireland
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Department of Microbiology, Dublin, Ireland
- Children’s Health Ireland, Department of Microbiology, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Peter D Lunn
- Behavioural Research Unit, The Economic and Social Research Institute, Whitaker Square, Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Ireland
- Trinity College Dublin, Department of Economics, Dublin, Ireland
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Hou J, Long X, Wang X, Li L, Mao D, Luo Y, Ren H. Global trend of antimicrobial resistance in common bacterial pathogens in response to antibiotic consumption. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 442:130042. [PMID: 36182890 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing public health threat worldwide and antibiotic consumption is being increasingly recognized as the main selective pressure driving this resistance. However, global trend in antibiotic resistance in response to antibiotic consumption is not fully understood. In this study, we collected national resistance data on specific resistant pathogens considered by the World Health Organization (WHO) as priority and antibiotic consumption data for 61 countries to assess the global trends in antibiotic resistance of those common bacterial pathogens and their association with antibiotic consumption. The low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) represented the largest hotspots of resistance, which presented relatively higher resistance rates in common bacterial pathogens but lower antibiotic consumption rates compared to high-income countries (HICs). Specifically, we developed the Normalized Antibiotic Resistance/Consumption Index (NARCI) and produced global maps of NARCI to roughly assess the appropriateness of antibiotic consumption across countries and to indicate the potentially inappropriate antibiotic consumption in LMICs compared with HICs. Additionally, we linked antibiotic consumption rates and resistance rates of target pathogens, in conjunction with NARCI and the correlation analysis between antibiotic use and resistance, to inform strategies to alleviate the threat of antibiotic resistance worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Hou
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Xiang Long
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Xiaolong Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Linyun Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Daqing Mao
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
| | - Yi Luo
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China.
| | - Hongqiang Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
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Skosana PP, Schellack N, Godman B, Kurdi A, Bennie M, Kruger D, Meyer JC. A national, multicentre web-based point prevalence survey of antimicrobial use in community healthcare centres across South Africa and the implications. Hosp Pract (1995) 2022; 50:306-317. [PMID: 35980901 DOI: 10.1080/21548331.2022.2114251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Up to 90% of antimicrobials globally are prescribed and dispensed in ambulatory care. However, there are considerable gaps regarding the extent and rationale for their use especially in low- and middle-income countries such as South Africa. Point prevalent surveys (PPS) are useful to determine current prescribing patterns, identify targets for quality improvement and evaluate the effectiveness of antimicrobial stewardship programmes (ASPs) within institutions. Consequently, the objective of this study was to undertake a PPS within community healthcare centers (CHCs) in South Africa given their importance to the public healthcare system. The findings will be used to provide guidance on future interventions to improve antimicrobial use in South Africa and wider. METHODS A PPS of antimicrobial consumption was undertaken among patients attending 18 CHCs in South Africa. A web-based application was used to record the utilization data, with utilization assessed against World Health Organization (WHO) and South African guidelines. RESULTS The overall prevalence of antimicrobial use amongst patients attending the CHCs was 21.5% (420 of 1958 patients). This included one or more antimicrobials per patient. The most frequently prescribed antimicrobials were amoxicillin (32.9%), isoniazide (11.3%) and a combination of rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide and ethambutol (Rifafour®) (10.5%), with the majority from the WHO Access list of antibiotics. There was high adherence to guidelines (93.4%). The most common indication for antibiotics were ear, nose and throat infections (22.8%), with no culture results recorded in patients' files. CONCLUSIONS It's encouraging to see high adherence to South African guidelines when antimicrobials were prescribed, with the majority taken from the WHO Access list. However, there were concerns with appreciable prescribing of antimicrobials for upper respiratory tract infections that are essentially viral in origin, and a lack of microbiological testing. The establishment of ASPs can help address identified concerns through designing and implementing appropriate interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phumzile P Skosana
- Division of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa
| | - Natalie Schellack
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Brian Godman
- Division of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa.,Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK.,Centre of Medical and Bio-allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, United Arab Emirates
| | - Amanj Kurdi
- Division of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa.,Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK.,Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Marion Bennie
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Danie Kruger
- Division of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa
| | - Johanna C Meyer
- Division of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa
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Grundy BS, Houpt ER. Opportunities and challenges to accurate diagnosis and management of acute febrile illness in adults and adolescents: A review. Acta Trop 2022; 227:106286. [PMID: 34953775 PMCID: PMC8920774 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Acute febrile illnesses are common reasons to seek healthcare globally. They can be caused by diverse infectious diseases which require complex diagnostics. Current clinical guidelines provide guidance on how to manage severe illness, common localizing infections like pneumonia and urinary tract infections, as well as malaria. How to manage other cases of acute febrile illness is less clear and is the focus of this review. Without an etiologic diagnosis, clinicians frequently prescribe empiric antibiotics that may be unnecessary or inadequate. We reviewed recent studies on the etiology of acute febrile illnesses in adults and adolescents that employed multiple diagnostic modalities, including rapid diagnostic tests, serologies, and polymerase chain reaction. Although studies and etiologies were heterogenous, we enumerated the causes of febrile illness in these studies. Possible improvements in clinical decision-making algorithms are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian S Grundy
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America.
| | - Eric R Houpt
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America.
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Khanal A, G.C. S, Gaire A, Khanal A, Estrada R, Ghimire R, Panthee S. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Nepal: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Infect Dis 2021; 103:48-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.11.152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
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Nepal A, Hendrie D, Selvey LA, Robinson S. Factors influencing the inappropriate use of antibiotics in the Rupandehi district of Nepal. Int J Health Plann Manage 2020; 36:42-59. [PMID: 32841415 DOI: 10.1002/hpm.3061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Antimicrobial resistance is a global public health crisis. A major driver of resistance is inappropriate antibiotic use, resulting from practices of prescribers, dispensers and patients. The purpose of this study was to identify the perception of service providers and policymakers about the inappropriate use of antibiotics in Nepal. METHODS A qualitative study was conducted to explore factors influencing antibiotic use. Participants included 17 service providers and policymakers from the Rupandehi district in Nepal, with a semi-structured interview schedule adopted. Data were analysed using thematic analysis to identify themes relating to the inappropriate use of antibiotics. RESULTS Inappropriate use of antibiotics was found to result from the interaction of demand and supply factors, together with a weak regulatory environment. Lack of knowledge by consumers and financial constraints resulted in practices such as self-medication and pressure being placed on providers to prescribe or dispense antibiotics. An insufficient choice of antibiotics, and health services not having investigation facilities, was also factors leading to inappropriate use of antibiotics. Additionally, in the private sector, the profit motive arising from incentives provided by pharmaceutical companies contributed to prescribing or dispensing antibiotics inappropriately. CONCLUSION Promoting appropriate antibiotic use is critical to reduce the growing public health threat of antibiotic resistance. A multi-faceted approach involving policymakers, providers, and the general public using both educational and regulatory measures is required to address this problem in Nepal, and potentially also in other low-income countries with a similar healthcare system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anant Nepal
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Delia Hendrie
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Linda A Selvey
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Herston, Australia
| | - Suzanne Robinson
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
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Sulis G, Adam P, Nafade V, Gore G, Daniels B, Daftary A, Das J, Gandra S, Pai M. Antibiotic prescription practices in primary care in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS Med 2020; 17:e1003139. [PMID: 32544153 PMCID: PMC7297306 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The widespread use of antibiotics plays a major role in the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance. However, important knowledge gaps still exist regarding the extent of their use in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), particularly at the primary care level. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies conducted in primary care in LMICs to estimate the prevalence of antibiotic prescriptions as well as the proportion of such prescriptions that are inappropriate. METHODS AND FINDINGS We searched PubMed, Embase, Global Health, and CENTRAL for articles published between 1 January 2010 and 4 April 2019 without language restrictions. We subsequently updated our search on PubMed only to capture publications up to 11 March 2020. Studies conducted in LMICs (defined as per the World Bank criteria) reporting data on medicine use in primary care were included. Three reviewers independently screened citations by title and abstract, whereas the full-text evaluation of all selected records was performed by 2 reviewers, who also conducted data extraction and quality assessment. A modified version of a tool developed by Hoy and colleagues was utilized to evaluate the risk of bias of each included study. Meta-analyses using random-effects models were performed to identify the proportion of patients receiving antibiotics. The WHO Access, Watch, and Reserve (AWaRe) framework was used to classify prescribed antibiotics. We identified 48 studies from 27 LMICs, mostly conducted in the public sector and in urban areas, and predominantly based on medical records abstraction and/or drug prescription audits. The pooled prevalence proportion of antibiotic prescribing was 52% (95% CI: 51%-53%), with a prediction interval of 44%-60%. Individual studies' estimates were consistent across settings. Only 9 studies assessed rationality, and the proportion of inappropriate prescription among patients with various conditions ranged from 8% to 100%. Among 16 studies in 15 countries that reported details on prescribed antibiotics, Access-group antibiotics accounted for more than 60% of the total in 12 countries. The interpretation of pooled estimates is limited by the considerable between-study heterogeneity. Also, most of the available studies suffer from methodological issues and report insufficient details to assess appropriateness of prescription. CONCLUSIONS Antibiotics are highly prescribed in primary care across LMICs. Although a subset of studies reported a high proportion of inappropriate use, the true extent could not be assessed due to methodological limitations. Yet, our findings highlight the need for urgent action to improve prescription practices, starting from the integration of WHO treatment recommendations and the AWaRe classification into national guidelines. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019123269.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Sulis
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- McGill International TB Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Pierrick Adam
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- McGill International TB Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Vaidehi Nafade
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- McGill International TB Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Genevieve Gore
- Schulich Library of Physical Sciences, Life Sciences and Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Benjamin Daniels
- McCourt School of Public Policy, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - Amrita Daftary
- McGill International TB Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- School of Health Policy and Management, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jishnu Das
- McCourt School of Public Policy, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - Sumanth Gandra
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Madhukar Pai
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- McGill International TB Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Manipal McGill Program for Infectious Diseases, Manipal Centre for Infectious Diseases, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
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