Factors behind Antibiotic Therapy: A Survey of Primary Care Pediatricians in Lombardy

Abstract

Background: Antimicrobial resistance represents one of the most significant future health challenges in terms of both clinical and economic impacts on healthcare systems. The reason behind this issue is the misuse of antibiotics for the treatment of non-bacterial pathologies. The objective of this study is to investigate the factors underlying antibiotic prescription in pediatricians in the Lombardy region. Methods: The study was conducted by means of a 32-item questionnaire that investigated both pediatricians’ knowledge of antimicrobial resistance and the factors determining the choice to prescribe antibiotic therapy. Results: A total of 253 pediatricians participated in the survey. Most participants (71.6%) reported as highly relevant the need for a national plan against AMR. However, approximately half of the respondents declared the phenomenon of AMR as uncommon in pediatric settings. Among the identified associated factors, diagnostic uncertainty was associated with a stronger fear of legal repercussions and the influence of parental pressure when prescribing antibiotics. Conclusions: The inability to diagnose the bacterial origin of an infection might be the primary driver of prescribing choices, rather than other non-clinical factors, such as parental demands or a fear of lawsuits.