배그린, 김동숙

건강보험심사평가원 심사평가연구소 연구조정실

Background: There are significant concerns about emerging antibiotic resistance that are largely due to the inappropriate
use of antibacterial agents for viral respiratory infections. We explored clinicians' attitude on antibiotic
prescription for patients with respiratory tract infections (RTIs) using survey.
Methods: A random, stratified sample of physicians in Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon was surveyed with a
mailed questionnaire, and 353 clinicians completed information. A total of 344 were included in the final dataset
after excluding incomplete data with missing information (response rate 34.4%).
Results:Among 344 physicians, those who would prescribe antibiotics in scenario patient were 39.2%, wait
and prescribe 30.5% and not prescribe antibiotics 30.2%. Those who believed antibiotics would help treatment
of acute sinusitis were 83.7%, acute pharyngitis 36%, acute tonsillitis 86.3%, acute bronchitis 64% and acute
lower respiratory diseases 66.9%. In logistic regression analysis, those who were located in Gyeonggi region
and those who believed antibiotics help treatment of tonsillitis and suppurative otitis media would prescribe antibiotics
in scenario patient significantly more, whereas those who believe antibiotics help treatment of acute
pharyngitis and lower respiratory disease prescribe antibiotics less.
Conclusions: Physicians’ attitude to antibiotics in respiratory disease has a significant effect on antibiotic prescription
for RTIs. Interventions such as practice guidelines and patient education to optimize antibiotic prescription
should take this effect into account.

Korean J Health Promot 2013;13(3):99-106


Keywords: Anti-bacterial agents, Physicians, Respiratory tract diseases