Antibiotic prescription patterns of South African general medical practitioners for treatment of acute bronchitis

• DOI: 10.7196/samj.2017.v107i2.11276
• Publication Date: 2017-02-01T09:33:53Z
• Authors: N B Q Ncube; G C Solanki; T Kredo; R Lalloo
• Keywords: Chronic bronchitis

Antibiotic resistance is a significant public health problem. Prudent use of antibiotics crucial in reducing this resistance. Acute bronchitis common reason for consultations with general medical practitioners, and are often prescribed even though guidelines recommend not prescribing them uncomplicated acute bronchitis.To analyse the antibiotic prescription patterns South African (SA) practitioners treatment bronchitis.The 2013 claims members 11 insurance schemes were analysed to assess patients diagnosed bronchitis. The assessed by type bronchitis, chronic status patients, sex age group. types also analysed.Of 166 821 events analysed, an was more than half (52.9%). There differences status. Patients viral likely be those bacterial (odds ratio (OR) 1.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08 - 1.26). illness less without (OR 0.58, CI 0.57 0.60). More 70% cephalosporins, penicillins other beta-lactams.Prescription rates SA high. urgent need follow reduce likelihood increasing available antibiotics.