EVALUATION OF PRESCRIPTION PATTERNS AND ANTIBIOTIC UTILIZATION IN LRTI PATIENTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (LRTIs) remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in rural healthcare settings where diagnostic limitations influence antibiotic prescribing behaviour. Aim: To evaluate the prescription pattern and antibiotic utilization among patients diagnosed with Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (LRTIs) in a rural hospital setting and to assess the rationality of antibiotic use based on WHO and ICMR guidelines. Objective: To identify the types of antibiotics prescribed, determine the proportion of broad- and narrow-spectrum agents, and assess adherence to rational prescribing practices in a government-managed rural hospital. Methodology: A prospective observational study was conducted at a rural hospital in Latur, Maharashtra, from August 2024 to March 2025. Fifty patients clinically diagnosed with LRTIs were enrolled. Data were collected using a structured form and analysed using WHO prescribing indicators to evaluate antibiotic utilization patterns and supporting medications. Results: Out of 50 prescriptions analysed, 81% contained broad-spectrum antibiotics, while only 19% contained narrow-spectrum agents. Cephalosporins and β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations were most frequently used. Supportive drugs such as pantoprazole, paracetamol, and ondansetron were prescribed in all cases. Conclusion: The study revealed predominant empirical use of broad-spectrum antibiotics due to limited diagnostic facilities. Implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programs, periodic prescription audits, and promotion of narrow-spectrum therapy are essential to ensure rational antibiotic use and prevent antimicrobial resistance.