| Abstract | The past decade has seen a steady increase in the consumption of antibiotics in Sweden, most of which are prescribed for respiratory tract infections. Trends in the prescribing of antibiotics for respiratory tract infections at the community health centre in Höör, southern Sweden, analysed before and after an educational programme, showed a significant reduction in the use of antibiotics, 67.6% of patients (n = 216) having been prescribed antibiotics before the programme in contrast to 43.9% (n = 212) afterwards. The reduction was particularly marked with regard to erythromycin and broad-spectrum antibiotics, and in cases of rhinitis/rhinopharyngitis, pharyngitis and bronchitis. On an annual basis, the reduction was equivalent to 2.5 defined daily doses per 1000 inhabitants per day. The study has shown that a reduction in antibiotic usage for respiratory tract infections can be achieved without changing the indications for antibiotic treatment. |
| Authors | S Mölstad, B Hovelius
(Affiliation: Community Health Centre, Höör, Sweden.)
|
| Journal | Family practice
(Fam Pract)
Vol. 6
Issue 1
Pg. 33-7
(Mar 1989)
ISSN: 0263-2136 ENGLAND |
| PMID | 2714542
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
|
| Chemical References |
|
| Topics |
- Anti-Bacterial Agents
(adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Drug Prescriptions
- Education, Medical, Continuing
- Health Services
- Health Services Misuse
- Humans
- Prospective Studies
- Respiratory Tract Diseases
(drug therapy)
- Sweden
|
