No significant decrease in antibiotic use from 1992 to 2000, in the French community.

Abstract

To analyse trends in antibiotic exposure of the French population from 1992 to 2000. The analysis used data provided by a representative annual nationwide survey of health care consumption in the community. The frequency of antibiotic use increased from 4.7 per 100 person-months in 1992 to 7.3 in 1995, and remained stable from 1998 to 2000. Children under 7 years of age were three times more strongly exposed to antibiotics than older subjects. Respiratory tract infections of probable viral aetiology and sore throat accounted for >50% of antibacterial prescriptions. We identified two major priorities for campaigns designed to reduce antibiotic exposure of the French population in the community, namely respiratory tract infections of presumed viral origin, and children under 7 years of age.