Clnico-Demographic Profiles and Antibiotic Consumption Practices by Patients of Community Acquired Pneumonia in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Background: Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) is a major health problem leading to significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Aims: To observe the clinico-demographic profiles and antibiotic consumption practices by community acquired pneumonia patients. Methods: This cross sectional, observational study conducted at the Department of Respiratory Medicine in National Institute of Diseases of the Chest and Hospital from May 2019 to September 2020. 87 patients of community acquired pneumonia patients were enrolled in this study. Results: A total number of 87 patients with community acquired pneumonia were selected and among them, majority patients were male 65(74.7%), male to female ratio was 2.9:1. The mean age was found 50.6±16.7 years with range from 18 to 85 years. Married patients were found 78(89.7%), 41(47.1%) patients completed secondary education level and 21(24.1%) patients were businessman.Smoker was found in 54(62.1%) cases. Regarding chief complaints, it was observed that all patients had fever, 86(98.9%) had cough, 65(74.7%) had chest pain, 57(65.5%) had dyspnoea, 7(8.0%) had haemoptysis and 6(6.9%) had confusion. Anaemia was found in 33(37.9%), cyanosis 6(6.9%), clubbing 2(2.3%). Mean pulse was 88.6±16.3 beats/min, mean systolic blood pressure 124.3±18.9 mmHg, mean diastolic blood pressure 76.0±11.3 mmHg and respiratory rate 21.1±4.7 breaths/min. Regarding knowledge about antibiotic use of the respondents, it was observed that majority 37(42.5%) respondents think that it is good to be able to buy antibiotics, without having to see a doctor. 63(72.4%) patients had history of previous antibiotic use, 47(54.0%) had history of non adherence to antibiotic, 42(46.0%) had history of self-medication, 24(27.6%) sharing of antibiotic with others, 21(24.1%) used of left over antibiotics and 25(28.7%). Conclusion: Fever is the most common symptom of community acquired pneumonia. Still there is misconception regarding use of antibiotics among patients. This study also suggests that self-medication is common in our patients. Non adherence to antibiotic therapy is also frequent in our patients.