Year: 2024 | Month: December | Volume: 11 | Issue: 12 | Pages: 46-55
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20241205
A Prospective Cross-sectional Descriptive Study Identifying the Predictors of Antibiotic Prescription Dynamics in Febrile Paediatric Patients
Sherin K Moncy1, Joel Biju2, Dr. Asha Mathew3, Darshan M4, Jammula Mounika5
1Department of Pharmacy Practice, Bapuji Pharmacy College, Davangere, Karnataka, India.
Corresponding Author: Sherin K Moncy
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Antibiotics are administered as a response to certain triggers and segregating the appropriate catalyst aids in improving practice patterns on both clinical and socioeconomic fronts. This study aimed to investigate healthcare providers’ decision-making processes when prescribing antibiotics for febrile children and assess prescription appropriateness.
METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from March to September 2023 at SSIMS&RC in Karnataka India. Data were collected from febrile children aged 1 month to 13 years admitted to pediatric wards, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, excluding nonbacterial etiologies and complex medical conditions. Patient data including demographics, clinical signs and symptoms, vaccination status, and Body Mass Index were compared to antibiotic prescription details. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS Version 28 for Windows, Statistical significance was defined as p<0.05.
RESULTS: The study enrolled 300 pediatric patients with a male predominance especially affecting infants. Most patients were admitted by virtue of respiratory and urinary system illnesses. Various factors influencing antibiotic prescription were assessed and a statistically significant association appeared between clinical diagnosis, chief complaints, and aberrant vitals. The study found an augmented average number of antibiotics in patients with improper vaccination status and malnourishment or obesity.
CONCLUSION: The rationality of prescribing antibiotics can be assessed effectively by analyzing and assimilating the reasons for which it is prescribed. This study highlights critical factors influencing antibiotic prescription, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions and adherence to clinical guidelines to mitigate antibiotic resistance. Furthermore, identifying factors implicated in prescription can aid physician in reflecting critically on their practices and offers resources for interventions and policymaking.
Keywords: antibiotics, antibiotic resistance, body mass index, pediatric population, prescription, prevalence
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