Point Prevalence Survey of Antibiotic Prescribing in the Hospital Sector in Albania

Antibiotic resistance represents a serious threat worldwide. The onset and spread of resistance is mostly related to irrational and increased use of antibiotics. The aim of this study was to evaluate antibiotic prescribing patterns and identify areas for quality improvement in the hospital sector in Albania. A Point Prevalence Survey study was conducted, at a University Hospital Centre in Tirana, Albania. On the day of the survey, 65.7% of the inpatients were on antibiotic treatment, mostly for medical prophylaxis (67.1%). The higher prevalence was found in Intensive Care Units (81.0%). The most commonly used antibiotics were the cephalosporins (53.1%) followed by metronidazole (16.2%) and fluoroquinolones (14.7%). High rates of antibiotic use were found in all wards, while some indicators related to prescribing patterns were critical. A close and continuous surveillance of the antibiotic use, along with measures at national level could contribute in improving a proper use of antibiotics.