Infection and Drug Resistance (Jan 2024)

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

  • Gidey K,
  • Aregawi SG,
  • Hailu BY,
  • Asgedom SW,
  • Niriayo YL

Journal volume & issue
Vol. Volume 17
pp. 119 – 130

Abstract

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Kidu Gidey, Solomon Girmay Aregawi, Berhane Yohannes Hailu, Solomon Weldegebreal Asgedom, Yirga Legesse Niriayo Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Kidu Gidey, Email [email protected]: 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.Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of antimicrobial use-related problems and risk factors among hospitalized pediatric patients.Materials and Methods: 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.Results: 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.Conclusion: 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.Keywords: antimicrobial use-related problems, pediatric, Ethiopia

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