Antibiotic Prescription Patterns and Resistance Profiles in tertiary Care Hospital Patients: A Comprehensive Analysis to combat Antimicrobial Resistance

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate antibiotic prescribing patterns and antimicrobial resistance profiles among patients presenting to tertiary care hospitals affiliated with Dera Ghazi Khan Medical College.

Methodology: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from June 2023 to May 2024. Using a 95% confidence interval and a 5% margin of error, a sample size of 384 patients was calculated. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and microbiological reports, capturing demographic details, types of infections, prescribed antibiotics, and antibiogram results. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, with chi-square tests applied to explore associations between irrational prescribing practices and antimicrobial resistance.

Results: Empirical prescription of broad-spectrum antibiotics was noted in 76.3% of cases, with ceftriaxone being the most frequently prescribed agent (29.2%). Alarming levels of bacterial resistance were documented, with Escherichia coli showing 65% resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanate, Klebsiella pneumoniae exhibiting 58% resistance to ciprofloxacin, and Acinetobacter baumannii showing 30% resistance to meropenem. The findings revealed a statistically significant correlation between misdiagnosis and increased resistance rates (p < 0.01).

Conclusion: The study highlights an urgent need for robust antibiotic stewardship programs, enhancement of diagnostic capabilities, and the establishment of stringent regulatory policies to address the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance in tertiary care settings.