UNVEILING ANTIBIOTIC MISUSE IN SAUDI ARABIA: ANALYZING PATTERNS, ROOT CAUSES, AND HEALTH CONSEQUENCES – A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS
Date
2026-05-12
Authors
Reena Almutairi
Rawan Alharbi
Yousef Alawi
Lamar Alfuraydi
Nouralhoda Mourabya
Hiba Shokry
Ammar Ramli
Mateq Ali Alreshidi
Idris Sula
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Deanship of Scientific Research - Al-Quds University
Abstract
Background: Antibiotic misuse and prescribing errors are a significant concern in clinical practice, contributing to unnecessary antibiotic exposure, increased adverse effects, rising healthcare costs, and the escalation of antibiotic resistance. Understanding the prevalence, patterns, and risk factors of these prescription errors is essential for improving patient safety and healthcare efficiency.
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, patterns, and risk factors of antibiotic prescription errors in Saudi Arabia.
Methods: A comprehensive search of three databases (PubMed, Scopus, and ProQuest) was conducted to identify eligible cohort and cross-sectional studies in Saudi Arabia. The primary outcome was the prevalence and patterns of inappropriate antibiotic use, while secondary outcomes included the pooled prevalence of specific errors (e.g., selection, dose, duration, and frequency). Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. The review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024611747).