The rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a pressing global health concern, driven largely by inappropriate antibiotic prescribing practices. This multi-center study assessed prescription patterns and their association with AMR among 1,200 outpatients across three urban clinics over a one-year period. Data collected included patient demographics, clinical indications, antibiotic type, dosage, duration, and compliance. Concurrently, bacterial cultures were obtained from patients with common infections to assess susceptibility patterns. Findings revealed that 38% of prescriptions were inappropriate, with overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics such as amoxicillin-clavulanate and ciprofloxacin. Resistance rates were alarmingly high: 42% of E. coli isolates and 35% of Staphylococcus aureus isolates showed resistance to first-line antibiotics. Multivariate analysis identified lack of adherence to clinical guidelines, patient demand for antibiotics, and limited diagnostic support as significant contributors to inappropriate prescribing. The study highlights the urgent need for targeted antimicrobial stewardship programs, clinician education, and policy measures to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and curb AMR in community healthcare settings.

Keywords:
Antimicrobial Resistance, Antibiotic Stewardship, Outpatient Clinics, Prescription Practices, Public Health