ArticleBJGP open2022
Comparing antibiotic prescriptions in primary care between SARS-CoV-2 and influenza: a retrospective observational study.
Article in BJGP open, 2022. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.
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Who cites it
3 citing papers in PubMed, 4 citations in OpenAlex.
- Routine data registries as a basis to analyse and improve the quality of antimicrobial prescription in primary care.BMC primary care · 2025Article
- From test to rest: evaluating socioeconomic differences along the COVID-19 care pathway in the Netherlands.The European journal of health economics : HEPAC : health economics in prevention and care · 2024Observational
- Data Resource Profile: Extramural Leiden University Medical Center Academic Network (ELAN).International journal of epidemiology · 2024Article
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Authors and funding
5 authors at 1 institution in 1 country.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundAntibiotics are frequently prescribed during viral respiratory infection episodes in primary care. There is limited information about antibiotic prescription during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic in primary care and its association with risk factors for an adverse course.
aimTo compare the proportion of antibiotic prescriptions between patients with COVID-19 and influenza or influenza-like symptoms, and to assess the association between antibiotic prescriptions and risk factors for an adverse course of COVID-19. DESIGN &
settingAn observational cohort study using pseudonymised and coded routine healthcare data extracted from 85 primary care practices in the Netherlands.
methodAdult patients with influenza and influenza-like symptoms were included from the 2017 influenza season to the 2020 season. Adult patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 were included from the first (15 February 2020-1 August 2020) and second (1 August 2020-1 January 2021) SARS-CoV-2 waves. Proportions of antibiotic prescriptions were calculated for influenza and COVID-19 patients. Odds ratios (ORs) were used to compare the associations of antibiotic prescriptions in COVID-19 patients with risk factors, hospital admission, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and mortality.
resultsThe proportion of antibiotic prescriptions during the first SARS-CoV-2 wave was lower than during the 2020 influenza season (9.6% versus 20.7%), difference 11.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 8.7 to 13.5). During the second SARS-CoV-2 wave, antibiotic prescriptions were associated with being aged ≥70 years (OR 2.05; 95% CI = 1.43 to 2.93), the number of comorbidities (OR 1.46; 95% CI = 1.18 to 1.82), and admission to hospital (OR 3.19; 95% CI = 2.02 to 5.03) or ICU (OR 4.64; 95% CI = 2.02 to 10.62).
conclusionAntibiotic prescription was less common during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic than during influenza seasons, and was associated with an adverse course and its risk factors. The findings suggest a relatively targeted prescription policy of antibiotics in primary care during COVID-19.
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