An evaluation of antibiotic prescribing practices among dentists in Lahore: A cross-sectional study: Antibiotic Prescribing Practices Among Dentists in Lahore

Palwasha   Babar; Maryam  Virda; Adeel  Haider; Wajiha  Alamgir; Muhammad  Afzal; Rana Muhammad  Ahmad Khan

doi:10.54393/pjhs.v3i04.84

Authors

Palwasha Babar Department of Operative and Pediatric Dentistry, University College of Dentistry, The University of Lahore
Maryam Virda Department of Operative and Pediatric Dentistry, University College of Dentistry, The University of Lahore
Adeel Haider Department of Oral Pathology, University College of Dentistry, The University of Lahore
Wajiha Alamgir Department of Oral Pathology, University College of Dentistry, The University of Lahore
Muhammad Afzal Department of Prosthodontics, Institute of Dentistry, CMH Lahore Medical College, National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS)
Rana Muhammad Ahmad Khan Department of Operative and Pediatric Dentistry, University College of Dentistry, The University of Lahore

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/pjhs.v3i04.84

Keywords:

Antibiotics, Drug misuse, Drug Overuse, Evidence-Based Dentistry

Abstract

The appropriate use of antibiotics has become a major concern in healthcare. The over prescription and misuse of antibiotics has contributed to antibiotic resistance which has emerged as a major public health issue. Objective: The current study is conducted to investigate the antibiotic use by the dentists and to assess the conformity with evidence-based guidelines. Methods: A convenience sample of 216 dental practitioners were included in the study. A self-structured questionnaire was administered after getting consent from the participants. The questionnaire consisted of demographic details, self-reported usage of antibiotics in different clinical situations and questions exploring the practices regarding the use of antibiotics. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24.0. Results: 87% of the participants prescribed antibiotics in irreversible pulpitis, 53.7% in dry socket and 78.7% in localized periapical abscess. Regarding their practice of antibiotic prescription, 77.8% participants reported the prescription of antibiotics in addition to the dental treatment for early resolution of the symptoms. 73.2 % reported that they fear the spread of infection if they have not prescribed antibiotics and 66.7% reported the use of antibiotics to defer the patient if the provision of treatment was not possible at the time. 68.9% participants reported that they would resort to some different antibiotic in case of persistent dental pain at the follow-up visit. Conclusions: The study shows indiscriminate and inappropriate use of antibiotics by the dentists. A lack of knowledge among the dental practitioners regarding the evidence-based clinical indications for antibiotics was evident.

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