Asian Journal of Current Research

Background: The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a major public health concern, with inappropriate antibiotic use in children identified as a significant contributing factor.

Aim: The aim of this study is to analyze patterns of antibiotic misuse in paediatric populations and evaluate its role in accelerating antimicrobial resistance. Additionally, this study reviews whether existing research articles on this topic adequately incorporate essential scientific components, particularly the results and discussion sections.

Method: Robust laboratory networks and consistent reporting methodologies are essential components of effective surveillance. Organized initiatives addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) exist at both national and global levels, such as those established by the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance endorses a "One Health" approach that integrates healthcare for humans, animals, and the environment.

Results: Several studies report a high rate of unnecessary or inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions in children, especially for viral infections where antibiotics are ineffective. However, a critical evaluation of the literature reveals that several articles lack clearly defined or well-elaborated results, often presenting data without sufficient analysis or failing to link findings to study objectives. Furthermore, quantitative outcomes such as resistance rates, treatment failures, and prescribing patterns are sometimes underreported or inconsistently presented. The reviewed literature shows that the absence or weakness of structured discussion sections limits the interpretation of findings and reduces the overall impact of the research. In many cases, studies fail to contextualize their results within broader clinical and public health frameworks, such as antimicrobial stewardship or resistance trends. This gap hinders the translation of research into practice and policy. Moreover, inadequate discussion prevents identification of key drivers of antibiotic misuse, including parental expectations, physician prescribing behaviour, and systemic healthcare limitations.

Conclusion: Children represent a critical demographic for the development and dissemination of resistance due to their frequent illnesses and recurrent antibiotic use. The escalating influence of AMR necessitates coordinated and sustained intervention. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presently poses a significant threat to the health of individual children and the global health systems overall.