Prevalence of antibiotic misuse in cases of pneumonia and diarrhea in Saudi Arabia

Point prevalence survey of antibiotics use among hospitalised neonates and children in Saudi Arabia: findings and implications

Background

Neonates and children are more susceptible to a variety of infections, leading to frequent antibiotic prescriptions. However, the inappropriate use of antibiotics leads to antibiotic resistance and higher mortality rates. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of antibiotic use, and current antibiotic prescribing practices among neonates and children admitted in the selected hospitals of Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted from September to November 2023 to assess the prevalence of antibiotic use, and the current antibiotic prescribing practices across six hospitals of Saudi Arabia.

Results

The study included 499 children and neonates, with 94.6% receiving antibiotic prescriptions. The most frequently prescribed antibiotic class was third-generation cephalosporin (31.5%), with ceftriaxone being the most commonly prescribed antibiotic (15%). The majority of patients were prescribed one antibiotic (81.4%), and the intravenous route (96.4%) was the primary route for administration. The majority of patients were prescribed antibiotics empirically (69.7%), and community-acquired infections (64.2%) were the most common type of infection for antibiotic prescription. Similarly, sepsis (39.2%) was the most common indication for antibiotics, and the majority of prescribed antibiotics (61.7%) belonged to the 'Watch' category as per WHO AWaRe classification.

Conclusion

Our study revealed excessive antibiotic consumption in neonates and children, therefore quality improvement programmes including antimicrobial stewardship programmes are urgently needed to address ongoing issues.

Pattern of Antibiotic Use Among Children With Acute Respiratory Infections in Saudi Arabia: Clinical Assessment

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the common clinical diagnoses and treatment management of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) in children and determine when antibiotics are recommended and prescribed.

METHODS

A retrospective review of medical charts was carried out at King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Medical City (KSAMC) Hospital to assess pediatric patients diagnosed with ARIs aged 0-14 years, excluding those requiring antibiotics for conditions other than ARIs. Data, including demographic diagnoses and treatment management, were extracted using consecutive sampling, and statistical analyses were conducted using Jamovi software.

RESULTS

A total of 285 pediatric patients were included, with a median age of 3 (IQR = 1-6) years and a male predominance of 59.2%. Bronchopneumonia was the most common respiratory disease, diagnosed in 39.1% of participants. The median durations for illness and hospital admission were four and three days, respectively. Clinical evaluations showed an average respiratory rate of 28±10.5 breaths per minute and a mean oxygen saturation of 96.4±3.46% through pulse oximetry. The use of antibiotics was commonly prescribed in ARI patients only when accompanied by certain bacterial infections (46.32%).

CONCLUSIONS

ARIs are a common viral health issue among children, emphasizing that not all ARIs in children are caused by bacteria and that antibiotics should only be used when there is a bacterial infection present. Enhanced diagnostic precision, patient awareness, and provider education are the global community's recommendations to prevent the presence of antibiotic resistance and the irrational use of antibiotics.