Avaliação das práticas de prescrição de antibióticos no tratamento de infecções respiratórias agudas no Centro de Saúde da Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, de Abril à Agosto de 2024

Abstract

The inappropriate use of antibiotics in acute respiratory infections (ARIs) has contributed to the rise in antimicrobial resistance, especially in developing countries such as Mozambique. This study aimed to evaluate antibiotic prescribing practices in patients with ARIs seen at the General Practice Outpatient Clinic of the Eduardo Mondlane University Health Center (C.S-UEM) between April and August 2024. The analysis was based on characterizing the study population, identifying the most commonly prescribed antibiotics, and verifying the association between antibiotic prescribing and the clinical characteristics of the patients and the category of prescribers. A total of 196 prescriptions were analyzed, with a mean age of 28 years (SD = 22.2), and a predominance of women (58.2%) and patients aged 16 to 35 years (39.8%). The frequency of antibiotic prescriptions was 69.4%, approximately two to three times higher than the rate recommended by the WHO (20-26.8%). Most prescriptions were written by general practitioners (58.3%) and nursing technicians (24.6%). The prescriber's professional category, signs and symptoms, and auxiliary diagnostic tests were among the variables significantly associated with antibiotic prescription (p < 0.05). Most prescriptions included antibiotics from the WHO Watch group, such as amoxicillin (46.4%), azithromycin (27.0%), and amoxicillin + clavulanic acid (13.3%). The results highlighted the excessive empirical prescription of antibiotics for the treatment of acute respiratory infections, which may increase the risk of bacterial resistance. It is recommended to reinforce the rational use of antibiotics by promoting the discontinuation of unnecessary antibiotics, adopting evidence-based protocols, and promoting ongoing training for healthcare professionals.(TRADUÇAO NOSSA)