Variation in Antibiotic Prescription Rates: Determinants and Patient-Physician Dynamics

Abstract

Antibiotic overprescription is a growing public health concern, with consequences that include increased antimicrobial resistance and microbiome disruption. This a global challenge and variation in antibiotic prescription rates has been observed both between and within countries. Much of this variation has been attributed to social, economic and healthcare structural differences. Previous studies, however, have not agreed upon the precise ways in which these factors influence antibiotic usage. The following study addresses a gap in the literature regarding prescription patterns in the United States. It explores regional variation and explains how population level differences can impact antibiotic prescription rates. Data were retrieved from the IMS Xponent database and the U.S. Census Bureau. Results revealed differences in antibiotic prescription rates associated with drug type, method of payment, and patient sex. National trends relating to population English fluency, income, and racial diversity also emerged. These findings suggest that there are social, economic, and cultural factors that interact and affect healthcare practice. Results may be used to identify populations that are at high risk for increased antibiotic resistance and microbial disruption, which may ultimately affect societal approaches to public health challenges.