Evaluation of risk factors affecting parental knowledge and attitude toward antibiotic use in children with upper respiratory tract infections

Abstract

IntroductionViral infection is the main cause of Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). However, antibiotic resistance is promoted through inappropriate prescription of antibiotics for children with URTIs. This study aimed to assess the possible risk factors which may be associated with such antibiotic misuse. MethodsThis prospective study was designed to evaluate parents' knowledge and attitudes towards antibiotic use for their children. Study questionnaires were distributed to adult parents caring for children aged between 4 and 8 years at Jordan University Hospital. Detailed content analysis was conducted to obtain all relevant information. ResultsA total of 1301 parents agreed to participate in this study. Parents’ knowledge score was 7.02/14 (SD = 1.52). The knowledge score was positively associated with both the age of parents and the income level (p-value = .001 and <.001 respectively). Also, parents who had less than 4 children had better knowledge about the use of antibiotics compared to those who had more children (p-value = .03). Regarding parents’ attitude, a mean attitude score was calculated for parents (2.33/5) (SD = 0.44). Older parents (≥45 years), those with higher income and higher number of children had higher attitude scores than those with a lower income and a lower number of children (p-values = .002, .001, .000 respectively). ConclusionsThis study showed there was a relationship between the number of children, the age of parents and income on parent’s knowledge and attitude towards using antibiotics. Additional intervention programs may be required for such groups of parents.