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Assessing antibiotics consumption, use and outcomes in a Yemeni tertiary hospital: A prospective cross-sectional study

Alshaikh AA, Kubas MA

PloS one, 2025

597 participants

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Antibiotics (ABs) have saved countless lives, but their misuse has led to a serious problem: antibiotic resistance. This growing phenomenon poses serious threats to public health worldwide, as it could make treating infections significantly more difficult in the future.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate antibiotic consumption and use patterns in a tertiary hospital in Sana'a, Yemen, by comparing Prescribed Daily Doses (PDD) to Defined Daily Doses (DDD), and identifying factors associated with antibiotic misuse and its impact on patient outcomes.

METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted among adult inpatients in a tertiary hospital in Sana'a, Yemen over two months (January 12 to March 11, 2024), involving 597 patients. Data on antibiotic prescriptions, patient demographics, and outcomes were collected.

RESULTS: A high prevalence of antibiotic use was observed (92.5%), with a notable proportion of prescriptions from the "Watch" category (56.7%). Significant PDD-DDD deviations were common, encompassing both overuse (36.8%) and underuse (63.2%). Factors associated with antibiotic deviations included patient age (26-44 years), gender (female), and ward type (private). The most commonly prescribed antibiotics were Ceftriaxone (33.6%), Metronidazole (21.8%), Vancomycin (6.0%), Levofloxacin (4.9%), Imipenem/Cilastatin (4.7%), and Moxifloxacin (3.6%). Notable deviations from DDD were observed for Levofloxacin (overuse by 28%),…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 597 participants or records.

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