[Variability in antibiotic prescription in the pediatric population of Castile and Leon (Spain) from 2001 to 2005 in relation to urban or rural setting]. / Variabilidad de la prescripción de antibióticos en la población pediátrica de Castilla y León durante los años 2001 a 2005 en el medio urbano o rural.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To compare systemic antibiotic prescribing in the pediatric population of Castile and Leon in relation to urban or rural setting. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data on non-hospital antibiotic consumption in the pediatric population were gathered from the database that processes the antibiotics billed in the Health Service of Castile and Leon. These data were analyzed according to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System (ATC) and the results were expressed as defined daily doses per 1000 inhabitants per day (DID). RESULTS: Overall antibiotic consumption in the pediatric population was markedly higher in the rural setting (24.37 DID in rural areas vs. 19.54 DID in urban areas). Interannual variability was similar in both settings, with prescriptions reaching a peak in 2003. In the qualitative analysis, prescription of amoxicillin and, to a lesser extent, of cefixime and azithromycin was higher in rural areas. Differences in prescription in the urban and rural areas of the distinct health areas varied, the greatest differences being found in Segovia. CONCLUSIONS: Wide quantitative and qualitative variability in antibiotic use was found between the various urban and rural zones of basic health areas. Although we suspected that the results for the urban setting would be underestimated due to the excessive use of emergency services, more detailed studies are required to better understand the determinants of antibiotic use in children.