Thực trạng sử dụng kháng sinh trong điều trị viêm phổi cộng đồng ở trẻ từ 2 tháng đến 5 tuổi tại một bệnh viện tỉnh Kiên Giang năm 2024–2025

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) remains a leading cause of mortality and a significant burden on healthcare systems, particularly among children under five years old in developing countries. While antibiotics are fundamental to treatment, their inappropriate use is a persistent global concern, accelerating antimicrobial resistance and compromising treatment efficacy. This issue is particularly critical in pediatric patients, necessitating careful monitoring and adherence to prescribing guidelines. Existing data often focus on central-level facilities, leaving a gap in understanding practices at provincial hospitals. Therefore, this study aims to assess the current status of antibiotic prescribing for CAP in children aged 2 months to 5 years at a specific provincial hospital, evaluating the appropriateness of use and identifying associated influencing factors.

Clinicians (pediatricians, infectious disease specialists, general practitioners), pharmacists, hospital administrators, public health policymakers, and researchers involved in pediatric care and antimicrobial stewardship.

This study investigated the patterns and appropriateness of antibiotic use in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) among children aged 2 months to 5 years hospitalized in Kien Giang province during the first half of 2024. Employing a cross-sectional descriptive design, researchers analyzed 140 medical records to assess prescribing practices. The findings revealed that a substantial proportion (45%) of antibiotic prescriptions were inappropriate, highlighting significant deviations from recommended guidelines. Key areas of concern included incorrect dosage (35.71% inappropriate) and frequency of administration (12.14% inappropriate). Monotherapy, predominantly with ceftriaxone, was the most common approach (90.71%), and injectable routes were almost universally preferred (99.29%). Analysis identified several factors significantly associated with inappropriate prescribing: female gender, younger age group (2-12 months), and the use of combination antibiotic therapy. Notably, children aged 2-12 months had a higher risk of inappropriate prescribing compared to older children. These results underscore the urgent need for enhanced rational antibiotic use strategies within pediatric settings. The implications are profound, emphasizing the necessity for stricter adherence to national treatment guidelines and hospital protocols, coupled with robust antimicrobial stewardship programs. Implementing these measures is crucial to optimize therapeutic outcomes, mitigate the escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance, and ensure patient safety in this vulnerable population.