In 2023, antibiotic prescriptions in primary care stabilized (-0.2% compared to 2022). According to an indicator expressed in defined daily doses (DDD) of antibiotics (per 1,000 inhabitants), consumption decreased by 3.3% compared to 2022. After two consecutive years marked by an increase in antibiotic use, the 2023 figures align with the moderate but steady downward trend observed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, beginning in 2013.

Nevertheless, in 2022, France remains the fifth-highest consumer of antibiotics in Europe. Therefore, it is essential to continue educational efforts targeting healthcare professionals and patients to encourage the proper use of antibiotics and thereby slow the development of resistant bacteria. Starting November 18, Santé publique France, the Ministry of Health and Access to Healthcare, and the National Health Insurance will relaunch the prevention campaign “Antibiotics: Treating Yourself Properly Starts with Using Them Properly,” with the goal of raising awareness about their proper use and preventing overconsumption.

Antibiotic Use in the Community Sector in France Continues to Decline

Each year, Santé publique France produces indicators to estimate trends in antibiotic use in the outpatient sector, which accounts for more than 90% of total antibiotic use.

After a gradual downward trend over several years and following a sharp decline in consumption in 2020, an uptick was observed in 2021 and confirmed in 2022. In 2023, the downward trend observed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic has thus resumed, both in terms of prescriptions (820.6 prescriptions per 1,000 inhabitants per year in 2023) and antibiotic consumption. This decline could result—at least in part—from a lower incidence of winter infections.

Significant disparities based on age, gender, and region

Prescriptions and antibiotic use vary significantly depending on patients’ age and gender, as well as by region. Specifically:

• A decrease in prescriptions for children under 5 years of age, with the number now slightly lower than in 2019.

• Overall higher consumption among women than among men. In 2023, 56.2% of antibiotic consumption in defined daily doses and 59.1% of prescriptions were for women, while women accounted for 51.7% of the population.

• An increase in consumption among people over 65 years of age.

• Significant regional disparities, with notably higher consumption and prescriptions in the Corsica and PACA regions.

Prescription trends vary by healthcare professional

While antibiotic prescriptions by general practitioners decreased by 1.3%, those by dentists and medical specialists increased by 1.4% and 4.6%, respectively.

As for dental surgeons, their prescriptions have risen since 2013 (by an average of 0.7% per year) and, despite the decline observed in 2020, they exceeded the 2019 level in 2023.

A campaign to raise awareness about the proper use of antibiotics

Starting November 18, 2024, Santé publique France is relaunching the campaign “Antibiotics: Proper Treatment Starts with Proper Use.” This campaign, which will be featured on TV, in online videos, on the radio, and on posters in healthcare providers’ waiting rooms, aims to raise awareness about the proper use of antibiotics. It reminds the public that antibiotics are effective only against bacterial infections and should be taken only under medical supervision. As in previous years, the campaign specifically targets people over 65 and parents.