Global trends in inappropriate use of antibiotics, 2000–2021: scoping review and prevalence estimates

Inappropriate antibiotic use is a significant contributor to antimicrobial resistance, but its prevalence and prevalence across different regions remain unknown. This study summarizes the current literature on inappropriate antibiotic use and provides global estimates of the amount of antibiotics potentially used inappropriately each year. Clinical audits and ‘non-prescription’ use were the most common study designs and indicators used to estimate inappropriate antibiotic use. Low-income and middle-income countries had a 6% higher prevalence of inappropriate antibiotic use than high-income countries. The study concludes that antibiotic stewardship efforts and internationally standardized indicators are needed to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use and identify gaps in access to care.