Prevalence of Antimicrobial Prescribing in Long-Term Care Facilities in a Local Health Authority of Northern Italy

Andrea Sarro (), Francesco Di Nardo, Michela Andreoletti, Chiara Airoldi, Lorenza Scotti and Massimiliano Panella
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Andrea Sarro: Department of Translational Medicine, Università Degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
Francesco Di Nardo: Presidio Ospedaliero Ss. Trinità, ASL NO, 28021 Borgomanero, Italy
Michela Andreoletti: Presidio Ospedaliero Ss. Trinità, ASL NO, 28021 Borgomanero, Italy
Chiara Airoldi: Department of Translational Medicine, Università Degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
Lorenza Scotti: Department of Translational Medicine, Università Degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
Massimiliano Panella: Department of Translational Medicine, Università Degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 20, 1-13

Abstract: Background: Almost half of antimicrobial prescriptions in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) is inappropriate. This broad use might represent a strong contributor to antimicrobial resistance in these facilities. This study aimed to assess antibiotic use patterns and potential associated factors with a survey of LTCFs in the local health authority (LHA) of Novara. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 25 LTCFs in the LHA of Novara following the healthcare-associated infection in LCTFs (HALT) protocol. Information on residents and facilities was assessed. Antibiotic usage and potential determinants were also estimated. Results: In total, 1137 patients were screened for antibiotic usage. Mean age was 84.58 years (SD 9.77), and the majority were female (76.52%). Twenty-six were antibiotic users (prevalence rate 2.29%, 95%CI 1.50–3.33). Antimicrobials were mainly prescribed orally (84.62%). Potential risk factors for antibiotic prescription were catheter use (central and peripheral venous, p -values 0.0475 and 0.0034, respectively, and urinary, p -value 0.0008), immobilization ( p -value < 0.0001), and sex ( p -value 0.0486). Conclusions: This study identified a low prevalence of antimicrobic consumption in LTCFs. Further surveillance studies are warranted to identify trends and changes in pathogen incidence and antimicrobial resistance and to inform public health authorities on the necessity of prudent use of antimicrobials in LCTFs.

Keywords: long-term facilities; antibiotic consumption; antibiotics; antimicrobial stewardship (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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