Antibiotic Prescription Trends Among Pediatric Patients in Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia

<i>Introduction</i>. Antibiotic overuse is a critical global health issue that drives antibiotic resistance, especially in low-income countries like Ethiopia, where data on prescribing practices are scarce. <i>Objective</i>. This study assessed antimicrobial prescription patterns in pediatric patients at Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northeast Ethiopia. <i>Methods</i>. A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of 171 pediatric inpatient prescriptions from March to April 2022 was conducted, using WHO pediatric guidelines and Ethiopia's Standard Treatment Guideline (STG) for evaluation. <i>Results</i>. Among 157 analyzed prescriptions, most patients (55.4%) were hospitalized over 5 days. Severe acute malnutrition (27.4%) and meningitis (14%) were the leading causes of admission. Ceftriaxone (51%) and augmentin (19%) were frequently prescribed, with inappropriate use noted in 10.2% of cases. Injectable antibiotics were used in 62.4% of prescriptions. <i>Conclusion</i>. Ceftriaxone was the primary antibiotic prescribed, with a generally rational prescribing pattern. However, additional attention to patients with comorbidities and rural backgrounds is advised.