Worldwide antibiotic prescription practices in primary care and associated factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This global meta-analysis of 174 studies (2000–2023) found that 42.1% of primary care consultations result in an antibiotic prescription, with rates reaching nearly 50% in low- and middle-income countries. Inappropriate prescriptions accounted for more than half (57.6%), and prescribing levels have not decreased in the past 20 years. Patients with higher education were less likely to receive antibiotics. These findings highlight persistent overuse of antibiotics in primary care and underscore the urgent need to strengthen antimicrobial stewardship, particularly in LMICs, through targeted and multisectoral interventions.