<![CDATA[Introduction: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) shows a high prevalence rate in adult patients. Bacterial infections are the most common etiology of CAP cases and can lead to patient hospitalization, morbidity, and mortality. Empirical antibiotics can be given to CAP patients to prevent worsening. This study aims to analyze the appropriateness of empirical antibiotics, according to guidelines on length of stay and mortality, in CAP patients. Methods: This observational retrospective study used medical record data from CAP patients at Sultan Agung Islamic Hospital, Semarang, from January 2023 to December 2024. We evaluated the impact of prescribed antibiotics, based on the 2019 ATS/IDSA guidelines, on length of stay and in-hospital mortality. Data were tested using the Fisher test with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Result: Significant differences were shown in the type of treatment room and comorbid diseases such as lung disorders, related to patient outcomes (recovery or death). The administration of empirical antibiotics to patients with CAP, as recommended by guidelines on length of hospitalization and patient mortality, demonstrated p-values of 0.683 and 0.166, respectively (p > 0.05). The suitability of empirical antibiotics to the guideline did not affect the length of treatment and outcome of CAP patients. Conclusion: The administration of empirical therapy in accordance with guidelines did not demonstrate a correlation with reduced duration of hospitalisation or decreased mortality. Nevertheless, a significant association was identified between ICU admission, comorbid lung disease, and patient outcomes.]]>
