Assessment of rational antibiotic use among children being treated in primary care facilities in Punjab, Pakistan: findings and implications

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is prevalent among south Asian countries including Pakistan mainly due to excessive and inappropriate use of antibiotics including among children. Globally, the majority of the population especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) visit ambulatory care facilities seeking care The objectives of the current study were to evaluate the appropriateness of antibiotics prescribed among children below the age of 12 years in six ambulatory care health facilities against the WHO AWaRe book, 2022. The findings providing a basis for future initiatives. A cross-sectional study was conducted among children below the age of 12 years in six ambulatory care health facilities among two districts of Punjab, over a period of three months (January–March 2023). Out of total of 399 children included in the study, 58.4