This poster, originally presented at the 2025 ReAct Asia Pacific Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance, presents findings from a study that examined patterns of antimicrobial prescriptions among healthcare providers working in obstetrics-gynecology and pediatric wards across four selected hospitals in Lao PDR. The results will be used to provide evidence-based insights to help improve appropriate antibiotic use at various healthcare facility levels.
The study analysed over 6000 patient records admitted between January and June 2024 to obstetrics-gynecology (OB-GY) and pediatric wards in relation to antimicrobial use.
Findings include:
- A high prevalence of antibiotic use was observed across the targeted wards (91.5%), with the highest proportion in the obstetrics and gynecology ward (73.8%). This is higher than the antibiotic prescription rate in the general population reported in a 2022 study (71%).
- Compared to neighboring countries, the prevalence of antibiotic prescriptions among women and children under five in Lao PDR is also higher; in Thailand, it was estimated at 53% in 2023.
- Among the antibiotic prescriptions identified in this study, only 21.2% complied with local guidelines, meaning nearly 80% did not align with recommended practices.
