Rational Use of Antimicrobials to Preserve Sensitivity

Abstract

Introduction: Antibiotic resistance has increaseddramatically over the past 10 years. Antibiotics arecommonly prescribed, leading to frequent overuse, whichposes a risk of developing resistance and escalatingexpenses. Rational drug prescribing is essential forminimizing healthcare costs and for reducing resistance.This study aimed to assess the rational use ofantimicrobials to preserve their sensitivity. Methods andMaterials: This prospective study was conducted at theCritical Care Department in Bangladesh Shishu Hospital.The study duration was 1 year; from January 2021 toJanuary 2022. The blood samples were taken for asensitivity test. Necessary data were collected from theparents of the children by a pre-designed data collectionsheet. Confidentiality of all data was maintained, and itsutilization was solely confined to the purpose of this study. Result: Concerning thedistribution of respondents according to sensitivity to antimicrobial agents, all patients100.0% were resistant to amoxicillin, 49.0% were resistant, and 3.0% patients were sensitiveto piperacillin, 27.0% were sensitive and 12.5% were resistant to ceftriaxone, 32.5% patientswere resistant and 25.0% patients were sensitive to chloramphenicol. The tendency of selfmedication was 40.0% of the total study population, followed by lack of public knowledgeand awareness in 35.0% of patients, and access to antibiotics without prescription in 25.0%of patients. Conclusion: This study concluded that antimicrobial resistance was most prevalent in patients with low socio-economic status. Furthermore, to preserve the sensitivity ofantimicrobials, rational use of antimicrobials should be ensured by addressing public knowledge andawareness, preventing access to antibiotics without prescription, and stopping the practice of selfmedication.