Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Parents Towards Antibiotic Use for Children with Flu-Like Symptoms

Abstract

Insufficient knowledge of antibiotic indications and side effects results in its misuse. This study aimed to investigate parents’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) on antibiotic use for their children who have flu-like symptoms. This was a cross-sectional survey study. Data was collected via an updated validated questionnaire that was developed by the study authors based on a literature  review  of previous  similar  studies.  The questionnaire  was sent electronically  through  social  media  and targeted only parents having children aged <16 years old. A total of 448 parents were included in the study, 86.4% of them were females. The highest percentage of the participants (40%) has three or more children and 36.2% of them have medical insurance. Almost two-thirds (62.9%) of the parents have scored poor level of knowledge, 24.1% have intermediate  knowledge, and only 13% have good knowledge.  Only 132 (29.5%) of the parents know that antibiotics are used against bacterial infections. Most parents (75%) reported that their choice of antibiotics should depend on doctor consultation. Twenty-seven percent of the parents reported that they purchased antibiotics without a prescription in the past 12 months. Saving time and effort was the main reason for antibiotics self-medication (26.1%). About 86% of parents stated that they don’t switch antibiotics without counseling their pediatrician. 300 parents (67%) reported that they stopped antibiotics at the end of the treatment course. Most of the respondents (82.4%)  reported  that they never keep remnants  of antibiotics  and reuse them. Over 88% of parents reported  keeping liquid antibiotics  in  the  fridge.  The  results  of  the  current  study  revealed  that  parents  lack  sufficient  knowledge  about  antibiotic indications and the risk of antibiotic resistance. However, they showed an acceptable attitude and good practices. Therefore, such results  enlighten  the  need  for  interventional  programs  imparting  education  and  changing  the  attitude  of  parents  regarding antibiotic use.