Antibiotic Prescription Trends Among Pediatric Patients in Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Introduction . Antibiotic overuse is a critical global health issue that drives antibiotic resistance, especially in low-income countries like Ethiopia, where data on prescribing practices are scarce. Objective . This study assessed antimicrobial prescription patterns in pediatric patients at Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northeast Ethiopia. Methods . A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of 171 pediatric inpatient prescriptions from March to April 2022 was conducted, using WHO pediatric guidelines and Ethiopia’s Standard Treatment Guideline (STG) for evaluation. Results . Among 157 analyzed prescriptions, most patients (55.4%) were hospitalized over 5 days. Severe acute malnutrition (27.4%) and meningitis (14%) were the leading causes of admission. Ceftriaxone (51%) and augmentin (19%) were frequently prescribed, with inappropriate use noted in 10.2% of cases. Injectable antibiotics were used in 62.4% of prescriptions. Conclusion . Ceftriaxone was the primary antibiotic prescribed, with a generally rational prescribing pattern. However, additional attention to patients with comorbidities and rural backgrounds is advised.
Source: Sage Open Pediatrics
Authors: Yohannes Mengesha, Sualih Mohammed
Institution: Wollo University
Language: English
Subfield: Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
Field: Immunology and Microbiology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4407867980