Sayanthan Shanmugam¹, Srisaravanapavananthan Namasivayam¹
1- Teaching Hospital Jaffna, Jaffna, Sri Lanka.
Abstract Body
Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health concern.The World Health Organization estimates that (AMR) caused 1.27 million deaths in 2019. Rational antibiotic prescribing in paediatrics is essential to reduce resistance, and healthcare costs. This audit evaluated antibiotic use and documentation in a tertiary paediatric inpatient unit in Sri Lanka.
Objectives: To assess the appropriateness of antibiotic prescribing, adherence to guidelines,compliance with WHO AWaRe classification, and quality of documentation.
Methods: A retrospective audit was conducted at Teaching Hospital Jaffna, from 1st February to31st March 2025. Records of 102 children aged 1 month–14 years who received at least one systemic antibiotic were reviewed. Data on indications, antibiotic choice, dosing (BNF), route, AWaRe classification, and documentation practices were analyzed.
Results: Among 102 patients with 120 prescriptions, 52.9% were male and 47 .1% were female. 49%were ≤3 years. Lower respiratory tract infections were most common indication (42.2%). Access antibiotics comprised 54.2% and Watch antibiotics 45.8%, exceeding WHO Watch threshold (