Abstract
Introduction. Antibiotic overuse is a critical global health issue that drives antibiotic resistance, especially in low-income countries like Ethiopia, where data on prescribing practices are scarce. Objective. This study assessed antimicrobial prescription patterns in pediatric patients at Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northeast Ethiopia. Methods. A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of 171 pediatric inpatient prescriptions from March to April 2022 was conducted, using WHO pediatric guidelines and Ethiopia's Standard Treatment Guideline (STG) for evaluation. Results. Among 157 analyzed prescriptions, most patients (55.4%) were hospitalized over 5 days. Severe acute malnutrition (27.4%) and meningitis (14%) were the leading causes of admission. Ceftriaxone (51%) and augmentin (19%) were frequently prescribed, with inappropriate use noted in 10.2% of cases. Injectable antibiotics were used in 62.4% of prescriptions. Conclusion. Ceftriaxone was the primary antibiotic prescribed, with a generally rational prescribing pattern. However, additional attention to patients with comorbidities and rural backgrounds is advised.