Regional variations in community consumption of antibiotics in Hungary, 1996–2003

Abstract

AIMS: 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.