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Erschienen in: Infection 1/2013

01.02.2013 | Clinical and Epidemiological Study

Variation in antibiotic prescriptions: is area deprivation an explanation? Analysis of 1.2 million children in Germany

verfasst von: D. Koller, F. Hoffmann, W. Maier, K. Tholen, R. Windt, G. Glaeske

Erschienen in: Infection | Ausgabe 1/2013

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Abstract

Purpose

Inadequate use of antibiotics can lead to problems such as resistance. Overuse is especially a problem for children, since they are more affected by acute (often virus-caused) infections. While the problem has been addressed internationally over the past several years, regional variations in prescriptions are striking. Therefore, the present study aims to analyze regional variations in antibiotic prescription on a district level in Germany and tries to identify reasons for those variations through adding possible influencing factors to the analysis on individual and district levels.

Methods

We analyzed 1.2 million children insured in a German health insurance fund. Antibiotic prescriptions were quantified in 2010 and reasons for prescriptions were analyzed in multilevel regressions based on the district of residence, regional deprivation, and age and sex of the child.

Results

Thirty-six percent of all children aged 0–17 years received an antibiotic prescription in 2010. In the south, prevalences are generally lower, and also to the very north. The highest prevalences are found in the close-to-border districts in the west, as well as in a band throughout the middle of Germany, in rather low population density areas. Regional variation in the prevalence range from 19 to 53 % between districts. Regional deprivation can explain part of this variation.

Conclusions

Including area deprivation measures helped identify an influence of especially regional income and occupational deprivation on antibiotic prescriptions for children. Regional analysis such as this can help identify specific regions and groups of persons to address information programs on the risks of preventable antibiotic consumption and alternative treatment methods.
Fußnoten
2
It is based on 439 districts in Germany in 2008. Those districts were reclassified into the 412 districts present in Germany in 2010 after area reforms in some federal states.
 
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Metadaten
Titel
Variation in antibiotic prescriptions: is area deprivation an explanation? Analysis of 1.2 million children in Germany
verfasst von
D. Koller
F. Hoffmann
W. Maier
K. Tholen
R. Windt
G. Glaeske
Publikationsdatum
01.02.2013
Verlag
Springer-Verlag
Erschienen in
Infection / Ausgabe 1/2013
Print ISSN: 0300-8126
Elektronische ISSN: 1439-0973
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s15010-012-0302-1

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