No significant decrease in antibiotic use from 1992 to 2000, in the French community.
OBJECTIVE
To analyse trends in antibiotic exposure of the French population from 1992 to 2000.


METHODS
The analysis used data provided by a representative annual nationwide survey of health care consumption in the community.


RESULTS
The frequency of antibiotic use increased from 4.7 per 100 person-months in 1992 to 7.3 in 1995, and remained stable from 1998 to 2000. Children under 7 years of age were three times more strongly exposed to antibiotics than older subjects. Respiratory tract infections of probable viral aetiology and sore throat accounted for >50% of antibacterial prescriptions.


CONCLUSIONS
We identified two major priorities for campaigns designed to reduce antibiotic exposure of the French population in the community, namely respiratory tract infections of presumed viral origin, and children under 7 years of age.
Sommet
Agnès
A
Institut Pasteur, 25-28 rue du Dr Roux, 75724 Paris Cedex 15, France.
Sermet
Catherine
C
Boëlle
Pierre Yves
PY
Tafflet
Muriel
M
Bernède
Claire
C
Guillemot
Didier
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003625:Data Collection; D011307:Drug Prescriptions / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000639:trends; D005260:Female; D005602:France / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009313:National Health Programs; D010612:Pharyngitis / Q000188:drug therapy; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000188:drug therapy; D012621:Seasons
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents