Trends in Antimicrobial Prescribing for Bronchitis and Upper Respiratory Infections among Adults and Children

A.G. Mainous , W.J. Hueston, M.P. Davis and W.S. Pearson

American Journal of Public Health, 2003, vol. 93, issue 11, 1910-1914

Abstract: Objectives. This study examined antimicrobial prescribing patterns for adults and children with bronchitis or upper respiratory infections (URIS) before and after release of nationally disseminated pediatric practice recommendations. Methods. Data from the 1993, 1995, 1997, and 1999 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey were used to evaluate prescriptions for antimicrobials for URIs and bronchitis. Results. From 1993 to 1999, the proportion of children receiving antimicrobials after visits for URIs and bronchitis decreased. However, the use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials rose from 10.6% of bronchitis visits to 40.5%. Prescriptions of antimicrobials for adults with URIs or bronchitis showed a decrease between 1993 and 1999. Conclusions. Although antimicrobial prescribing for URIs and bronchitis has decreased for both children and adults, the prescribing of broad-spectrum antibiotics among children has shown a proportional rise.

Date: 2003
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

There are no downloads for this item, see the EconPapers FAQ for hints about obtaining it.

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:2003:93:11:1910-1914_7

Access Statistics for this article

American Journal of Public Health is currently edited by Alfredo Morabia

More articles in American Journal of Public Health from American Public Health Association
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Christopher F Baum ().