Journal Article

Antimicrobial Use-Related Problems Among Hospitalized Pediatric Patients: A Prospective Observational Study

Hailu, Berhane, Aregawi, Solomon, Gidey, Kidu, Niriayo, Yirga, Asgedom, Solomon

2024

Overview

Antimicrobials are among the most commonly misused medications, leading to antimicrobial resistance, and therefore demand more attention. There are limited studies documenting \"antimicrobial use-related problems\" in developing countries, especially in pediatric patients. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of antimicrobial use-related problems and risk factors among hospitalized pediatric patients. A hospital-based prospective observational study was conducted in Ayder comprehensive specialized hospital (ACSH) in the Tigray region, Ethiopia. The participants of the study were pediatric patients aged ≤15 years who were admitted with a diagnosis of infectious disease between September 2019 and November 2019. A total of 232 pediatric patients were included in the study. Of these, 59.5% of the patients were male and the mean age (SD) of the patients was 5.8 (5.2) years. Of the 232 patients surveyed, a total of 177 antimicrobial use-related problems were identified. One or more antimicrobial use-related problems have occurred in more than half of the patients (53.9%). The commonest antimicrobial use problems were unnecessary antimicrobial therapy (22.8%) followed by need additional antimicrobial therapy (16.4%). In a multivariate logistic regression model, patients with comorbidities (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.84, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04-3.27) and hospital stays exceeding one week (AOR=1.88, 95% CI: 1.08-3.26) were predictors of antimicrobial use-related problems. Antimicrobial use-related problems were found in a significant proportion of pediatric patients. Addressing these issues necessitates collaborative efforts, emphasizing targeted education, strengthened antimicrobial stewardship, ensuring responsible antimicrobial use and enhancing pediatric care.

• Publisher: Dove Medical Press Limited,Taylor & Francis Ltd,Dove Press,Dove,Dove Medical Press
• Subject: Analysis / Antibiotics / Antimicrobial agents / Antimicrobial resistance / antimicrobial use-related problems / Caregivers / Children / Communicable diseases / Comorbidity / Data collection / Developing countries / Drug dosages / Drug interactions / Drug resistance / Drug resistance in microorganisms / Drug stores / Drug therapy / Ethiopia / Health aspects / Hospitals / Infections / Infectious diseases / LDCs / Medical research / Medicine, Experimental / Metronidazole / Observational studies / Original Research / Patient compliance / Patient satisfaction / Patients / pediatric / Pediatrics / Prescription drugs / Risk factors / Sample size / Sampling techniques / Side effects