Inappropriate prescribing contributes to high antibiotic exposure in young children in Australia

A study in Australia found that at least two-thirds of children were prescribed antibiotics in the first two years of life, with over a quarter of these exposures potentially being unnecessary. Factors such as delivery by Caesarean section, birth in winter, maternal antibiotic exposure during pregnancy, cessation of breastfeeding, and day-care attendance were associated with antibiotic exposure. The study highlights the importance of addressing antibiotic exposure in children to prevent long-term health risks and promote antibiotic resistance.