Title: [Changes in perinatal care as a determinant of the level and diversity of antiinfectives use in a neonatal intensive care unit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil]

POPLINE Document Number: 315177

Author(s):

Osorio-de-Castro CG
Peixoto MA
de Castilho SR

Source citation:

Cadernos de Saude Publica, 2002 Jan-Feb;18(1):257-267.

Abstract:

This study focuses on a five-year profile (1990-1994) in the utilization of antiinfectives in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Total antiinfectives consumption, diversity, and possible determinants were analyzed. A descriptive, longitudinal, and retrospective drug utilization study design was adopted. Document research, observation, and semi-structured interviews provided information on the neonatal intensive care provided, and drug supply and daily hospital records provided data on antiinfectives use, based on the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification and the infant defined daily dose (DDDi) as units of measurement. The numerical results suggest an increase in total consumption of antiinfectives and a decrease in their diversity. Analyzed in view of the institutional profile and rational drug use, these results indicate that changes in the type of care provided during the study period were key determinants of antiinfectives use. (author's)

Keywords:

Brazil
Summary Report
Longitudinal Studies
Use-Effectiveness
Infant
Drugs
Treatment
South America, Eastern
South America
Latin America
Americas
Developing Countries
Studies
Research Methodology
Contraceptive Effectiveness
Contraception
Family Planning
Youth
Age Factors
Population Characteristics
Demographic Factors
Population
Medical Procedures
Medicine
Health Services
Delivery of Health Care
Health