EVALUATION OF ANTIBIOTIC’S USE AMONG CHILDREN DURING HOSPITALIZATION

Abstract

Objectives:To evaluate the use of antibiotics in children during hospitalization and to estimate the inappropriate use of antibiotic. Methods: A review of all antibiotics prescribed for children were admitted to medical ward in Queen Rania hospital over two months. All surgical and trauma cases were excluded. The study was conducted in March and April 2013. Data involved indication, patient’s age, weight, and drug’s route of administration. The collected data were tabulated and kept in special registry file maintained by the author. Results: There were 189 cases admitted to medical wad over two months. Cases were classified into five major groups: respiratory tract infection (28%), urinary tract infection (24.9%), gastroenteritis (21.2%), acute febrile illness (10.6%), neonatal disease (7.9%), and seizures (7.4%). A total of 285 antibiotics were prescribed for all cases and 38.6% of them were prescribed one or more antibiotics, 42.8% of antibiotics were prescribed by incorrectly doses according to indication, patient’s age, weight, and drug’s route of administration. Conclusion: Greater attention and caution are highly needed and recommended when antibiotics prescribed for children especially according to indication and dose calculation. There is a definite antibiotics abuse and antibiotics policy and guidelines is recommended.