The impact of health and technology shifts on antibiotic use among the elderly in Thailand
Abstract The utilization of antibiotics among the geriatric population in Thailand has been markedly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. This investigation sought to analyze the correlation between antibiotic utilization and determinants such as pharmacy density, healthcare workforce, household int...
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Nature Portfolio
2025-02-01
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| Series: | Scientific Reports |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-89040-x |
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| author | Nakarin Prasit Surachai Phimha Ampawan Nonthamat Nathakon Nilnate Nattaporn Nidthumsakul Puwanart Sresutham |
| author_facet | Nakarin Prasit Surachai Phimha Ampawan Nonthamat Nathakon Nilnate Nattaporn Nidthumsakul Puwanart Sresutham |
| author_sort | Nakarin Prasit |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract The utilization of antibiotics among the geriatric population in Thailand has been markedly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. This investigation sought to analyze the correlation between antibiotic utilization and determinants such as pharmacy density, healthcare workforce, household internet accessibility, and income during the period of 2021–2023. A spatial examination employing panel regression was performed on data derived from Thailand’s National Statistical Office Health and Welfare Survey 2023, encompassing all 77 provinces. The research scrutinized antibiotic usage trends among individuals aged 60 and above, associating them with diverse socioeconomic and healthcare access metrics. Notable spatial and temporal variations in antibiotic utilization were detected. The physician ratio demonstrated a negative association with antibiotic usage (Coefficient=− 0. 613, P = 0.035), while household internet accessibility showed a positive relationship (Coefficient = 0.003, P = 0.001). Household income exhibited a slight negative effect (Coefficient=− 0.0002, P = 0.024). No statistically significant associations were found between antibiotic usage and pharmacy density or nurse ratio. The study clarifies complex interrelations between healthcare accessibility, socioeconomic determinants, and antibiotic usage among the elderly in post-COVID-19 Thailand. These results indicate the necessity for targeted interventions to foster judicious antibiotic utilization, including enhancements in healthcare accessibility, the development of dependable digital health infrastructures, and the execution of income-sensitive health education initiatives. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-d0010730a97f4c5da5654f5d66a98913 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2045-2322 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-02-01 |
| publisher | Nature Portfolio |
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| series | Scientific Reports |
| spelling | doaj-art-d0010730a97f4c5da5654f5d66a989132025-08-20T03:10:17ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-02-0115111210.1038/s41598-025-89040-xThe impact of health and technology shifts on antibiotic use among the elderly in ThailandNakarin Prasit0Surachai Phimha1Ampawan Nonthamat2Nathakon Nilnate3Nattaporn Nidthumsakul4Puwanart Sresutham5Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen UniversityFaculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen UniversityBangkok Hospital Khon KaenFaculty of Public Health, Burapha UniversitySakon Nakhon Provincial Public Health OfficeKhon Kaen Provincial Administrative OrganizationAbstract The utilization of antibiotics among the geriatric population in Thailand has been markedly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. This investigation sought to analyze the correlation between antibiotic utilization and determinants such as pharmacy density, healthcare workforce, household internet accessibility, and income during the period of 2021–2023. A spatial examination employing panel regression was performed on data derived from Thailand’s National Statistical Office Health and Welfare Survey 2023, encompassing all 77 provinces. The research scrutinized antibiotic usage trends among individuals aged 60 and above, associating them with diverse socioeconomic and healthcare access metrics. Notable spatial and temporal variations in antibiotic utilization were detected. The physician ratio demonstrated a negative association with antibiotic usage (Coefficient=− 0. 613, P = 0.035), while household internet accessibility showed a positive relationship (Coefficient = 0.003, P = 0.001). Household income exhibited a slight negative effect (Coefficient=− 0.0002, P = 0.024). No statistically significant associations were found between antibiotic usage and pharmacy density or nurse ratio. The study clarifies complex interrelations between healthcare accessibility, socioeconomic determinants, and antibiotic usage among the elderly in post-COVID-19 Thailand. These results indicate the necessity for targeted interventions to foster judicious antibiotic utilization, including enhancements in healthcare accessibility, the development of dependable digital health infrastructures, and the execution of income-sensitive health education initiatives.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-89040-xAntibiotic useElderlyCOVID-19ThailandPanel regression |
| spellingShingle | Nakarin Prasit Surachai Phimha Ampawan Nonthamat Nathakon Nilnate Nattaporn Nidthumsakul Puwanart Sresutham The impact of health and technology shifts on antibiotic use among the elderly in Thailand Scientific Reports Antibiotic use Elderly COVID-19 Thailand Panel regression |
| title | The impact of health and technology shifts on antibiotic use among the elderly in Thailand |
| title_full | The impact of health and technology shifts on antibiotic use among the elderly in Thailand |
| title_fullStr | The impact of health and technology shifts on antibiotic use among the elderly in Thailand |
| title_full_unstemmed | The impact of health and technology shifts on antibiotic use among the elderly in Thailand |
| title_short | The impact of health and technology shifts on antibiotic use among the elderly in Thailand |
| title_sort | impact of health and technology shifts on antibiotic use among the elderly in thailand |
| topic | Antibiotic use Elderly COVID-19 Thailand Panel regression |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-89040-x |
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