| Title of the publication | Changes in Antibiotic Prescribing for Children After a Community-wide Campaign |
|---|---|
| Abstract | Context: Overuse of antibiotics has contributed to microbial resistance, compromising the treatment of bacterial infections. Very high levels (>50%) of antibiotic resistance among invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae have been documented in Knox County, Tennessee. Objective: To determine the effectiveness of a community-wide intervention aimed at reducing inappropriate antibiotic use among children. Design, setting, and participants: The Knox County Health Department led a multifaceted year-long campaign (May 1997 through April 1998) aimed at decreasing unnecessary antibiotic use among children. Tennessee's 3 other major urban counties (Shelby, Hamilton, and Davidson) did not conduct similar campaigns and served as controls. Evaluation included white and black children (aged <15 years) enrolled in Tennessee's Medicaid Managed Care Program in the 4 study counties, representing 36% of the study counties' children (464 200 person-years observed). Intervention: Educational efforts were directed toward health care practitioners (primarily via peer leader presentations) and to the parents of young children and the public (primarily via printed materials). Main outcome measure: The intervention-attributable effect on antibiotic use, defined as the excess percentage change in oral antibiotic prescription rates in Knox County between the 12-month preintervention and postintervention periods, relative to that of control counties. Results: Antibiotic prescription rates declined 19% and 8% among Knox County and control county children, respectively, yielding an 11% intervention-attributable decline (95% confidence interval, 8%-14%; P<.001). The intervention-attributable decrease in prescription rates was greatest among children aged 1 to less than 5 years (among white children, 8% [P<.001]; among black children, 18% [P<.001]). Conclusions: A community-wide educational intervention reduced antibiotic prescription levels among children in Knox County. |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.287.23.3103 |
| Name of the first author | Perz, Joseph F |
| Year of publication | 2002 |
| Study design of the publication | Cohort study |
| Method for data collection and analysis |
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| Quantitative data - Quantitative data were used during the intervention | |
| Sector |
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| Sub-sector | Sub-sectors are further units of demarcation within a sector E.g. awareness campaign from veterinarians to cat owners about toxoplasmosis drug resistance and transmission of resistant bacteria: ANIMAL, PETS |
| Subsector (human) |
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| General (human health) | |
| Healthcare delivery | |
| Community |
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