JAC-antimicrobial resistance
Trends in antibiotic prescribing by general practitioners in Belgium (2014-2023) and association with changing workforce demographics
By Domen J, Kelly M, Coenen S and 3 others.
Abstract
Background
General practitioners (GPs) account for most antibiotic prescriptions in the community. GP age and sex may influence prescribing, particularly in the context of demographic shifts in the GP workforce. We aimed to assess trends in antibiotic prescribing by GPs in Belgium and associations between GP age and sex with prescribing volume and quality.
Methods
A retrospective analysis on nationwide administrative health data was conducted. Aggregated data on reimbursed systemic antibiotics (Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical J01) prescribed by GPs (2014-2023) were linked to the insured population (2014-2023), GP demographics (2014-2022) and consultation data (2014-2022). Volume was measured using population-based indicators: defined daily doses (DDD) and packages per 1000 beneficiaries per day (DBD and PBD) and prescriber-based indicators (DDD per GP, DDD and packages per consultation). Quality was evaluated using the proportion of amoxicillin among amoxicillin plus amoxicillin/clavulanate and the broad- to narrow-spectrum antibiotic ratio. Trends were analysed using Pearson correlations; associations using multivariable linear mixed models.