Regional variations in community consumption of antibiotics in Hungary, 1996-2003.
OBJECTIVE
To study regional differences and identify determinants of antibiotic consumption in ambulatory care in Hungary.


METHODS
Regional distribution-based antibiotic sales data were converted into a number of defined daily doses (DDD) per 1000 inhabitant-days. Correlations were assessed with the Spearman rank test.


RESULTS
There were large and stable interregional differences in antibiotic consumption. They were associated with socio-economic determinants, e.g. the population receiving free access to medicines and receiving regular social assistance.


CONCLUSIONS
More detailed studies are needed to better understand the determinants of antibiotic use in these specific patient populations and to identify additional determinants at regional level.
Matuz
Maria
M
Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Szeged, Budapest, Hungary. matuz@clph.szote.u-szeged.hu
Benko
Ria
R
Doro
Peter
P
Hajdu
Edit
E
Nagy
Gabor
G
Nagy
Erzsebet
E
Monnet
Dominique L
DL
Soos
Gyongyver
G
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D006814:Hungary / Q000453:epidemiology; D011159:Population Surveillance / Q000379:methods; D012112:Residential Facilities; D012943:Social Security; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents