Authors : Dhanushya N.; Sowmiya S.; Dr. V. Raveenthiran; Dr. G. Veeramani

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 5 - May

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/3h6uvffj

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/bdmf69uy

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26May2163

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Background: Antibiotics play a crucial role in preventing and treating infections among pediatric surgical patients. Appropriate prophylactic and postoperative antibiotic use can reduce surgical site infections (SSI), antimicrobial resistance, and healthcare costs. This study evaluated antibiotic utilization patterns, therapeutic outcomes, and patient medication adherence in children undergoing surgical procedures in a rural teaching hospital.  Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted over six months among 90 pediatric patients admitted in the Department of Pediatric Surgery. Data regarding demographics, surgical diagnosis, antibiotic prophylaxis, postoperative antibiotic use, SSI occurrence, and medication adherence were collected using a structured proforma and analyzed statistically.  Results: Among 90 patients, 62.2% received prophylactic antibiotics, predominantly via the intravenous route. Cefotaxime, Gentamicin, and Metronidazole were the most commonly prescribed antibiotics. Surgical site infection developed in only 5.6% of patients, and no adverse drug reactions were reported. Most patients received short-term antibiotic therapy and had hospital stays of 1–5 days. Medication adherence improved after counselling, with 97.8% of patients demonstrating good to very good compliance.  Conclusion: Intravenous antibiotics were the primary mode of prophylactic and postoperative management, with Cefotaxime and Gentamicin being the most frequently utilized agents. The low SSI rate, absence of adverse drug reactions, and improved medication adherence indicate effective antibiotic utilization and favorable clinical outcomes among pediatric surgical patients.

Keywords : Surgical Site Infection, Antibiotics, Prophylaxis, Patient Compliance, Medication Adherence.

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