In:
The Journal of Rural Health, Wiley, Vol. 38, No. 2 ( 2022-03), p. 427-432
Abstract:
Antibiotic resistance is a major public health threat. Antibiotic use is the main driver of resistance, with children and the state of Kentucky having particularly high rates of outpatient antibiotic prescribing. The purpose of this study was to describe patient and provider characteristics associated with pediatric antibiotic use in Kentucky Medicaid children. Methods We used Medicaid prescription claims data from 2012 to 2017 to describe patterns of pediatric antibiotic receipt in Kentucky. Patient and provider variables were analyzed to identify variations in prescribing. Findings Children who were female, less than 2 years old, White, and living in a rural area had consistently higher rates of antibiotic prescriptions. There was significant geographic variability in prescribing, with children in Eastern Kentucky receiving more than 3 courses of antibiotics a year. Most antibiotic prescriptions for children were written by general practitioners and nurse practitioners rather than pediatricians. Conclusion These findings support the need for extensive antibiotic stewardship efforts inclusive of rural outpatient practices.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0890-765X
,
1748-0361
Language:
English
Publisher:
Wiley
Publication Date:
2022
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2159889-7