Antibiotics For Upper Respiratory Tract Infections Research Articles

Racial differences in low value care among older adult Medicare patients in US health systems: retrospective cohort study

ObjectiveTo characterize racial differences in receipt of low value care (services that provide little to no benefit yet have potential for harm) among older Medicare beneficiaries overall and within health...

1778. Veterans’ Perceptions and Categorial Constructs Regarding Antibiotics for Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URIs)

Abstract Background To reduce antibiotic prescribing, antimicrobial stewards must understand patient knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions (KAP) around antibiotics for URIs. Validated patient KAP surveys are scarce and for Veteran patients, nonexistent. We aimed to explore if published results of an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) of a KAP survey in emergency department (ED) patients and an online sample would approximate results in outpatient Veterans. Methods After cognitive testing in Veterans and healthcare providers, we omitted 13 of the 46 questions from the published KAP survey deemed confusing or with low factor loadings. We mailed the 33-item survey to Veterans seen for URI at 18 Veterans Affairs clinics from January 2018 to December 2019. We excluded Veterans not evaluated in-person, with documented dementia, or who died prior to study start. We excluded surveys with > 3 unanswered questions. We used principal component factor analysis (PCFA) with orthogonal varimax rotation (Fig. 1) to assess Veteran responses and Cronbach’s alpha to assess each factor’s internal consistency. We removed questions to reach alpha of >0.7 (Fig. 2). We repeated PCFA and compared results to published EFA factors and loadings for the ED patients and online sample. Results Of 1329 eligible Veterans invited, 474 (36%) returned the survey; 407 met inclusion criteria (Table 1). PCFA of Veterans’ responses yielded 7 Factors (Fig 2). Like ED patients and the online sample, Veteran responses about side effects clustered together. Veteran responses about “antibiotics help” and “antibiotics don’t hurt” clustered together like ED patients. They grouped separately in the online sample. Veteran responses about safety and efficacy (Factors 3 & 5) and knowledge about viruses and bacteria, (Factors 4 & 5) clustered separately (Fig. 2). For ED patients and the online sample, safety and efficacy and virus and bacteria responses clustered together, respectively (Fig. 1). Conclusion While Veterans did share some KAPs around antibiotics for URIs with ED patients and the online sample, this study shows they also have distinct views. Further testing in Veteran and non-Veteran populations should validate and assess reliability of this survey as an antimicrobial stewardship tool. Disclosures Carlos G. Grijalva, MD, MPH, AHRQ: Grant/Research Support|Campbell Alliance/Syneos Health: Grant/Research Support|CDC: Grant/Research Support|FDA: Grant/Research Support|Merck: Advisor/Consultant|NIH: Grant/Research Support|Pfizer: Advisor/Consultant|Sanofi: Grant/Research Support|Sanofi-Pasteur: Advisor/Consultant Milner B. Staub, MD, MPH, Gilead: Stocks/Bonds|Johnson & Johnson: Stocks/Bonds.

Geographic variability of antibiotic prescribing for acute respiratory tract infections within a direct-to-consumer telemedicine practice.

In this retrospective cohort study of patients presenting to a national direct-to-consumer medical practice, we found that provider geographic location is a stronger driver of antibiotic prescribing than patient location. Physicians in the Northeast and South are significantly more likely than physicians in the West to prescribe antibiotics for upper respiratory infection and bronchitis.

98179 Identifying Low-Value Care Across A Statewide Health System: Collaboration Between Quality, Population Health, Informatics, and Health Services Research

ABSTRACT IMPACT: This project demonstrates that addressing low-value care, which has the potential to cause patient harm, relies on novel data tools and collaboration between health system and research stakeholders. OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Reducing low-value care, or patient care that offers no net benefit in specific clinical scenarios, is an important approach to improving value as it can simultaneously lower health care spending and improve quality. We describe an initiative to identify such care in a large statewide employer. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Claims data for self-funded University of California (UC) Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan members during 2019 were abstracted from the University of California Health (UCH) Clinical Data Warehouse, a unique central database that includes electronic medical record data from >5 million patients across UC medical campuses and all claims from UC self-funded health plans. UCH spans six academic health systems across California. The Milliman MedInsight Health Waste Calculator, a proprietary algorithm-based software tool, was used to identify low-value care and estimate associated spending. The HWC measures 48 low-value services using recommendations from the Choosing Wisely Campaign, the US Preventive Services Task Force, and other clinical specialty guidelines. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Of 43,882 members of the UC PPO, 11,174 (25.4%) received at least one low-value service. The HWC identified 50,103 eligible services and classified 35% as low-value. Total spending on low-value services ranged between $2,209,516 and $5,089,866, based on a more or less conservative estimate. Across the five sites, the proportion of low-value services ranged from 31% to 39%. Five services comprised 65% of costs from low-value care: annual EKGs, preoperative baseline labs for low-risk surgeries, vitamin D deficiency screening, imaging for eye disease, and headache imaging. The top five services by order frequency were annual EKGs, vitamin D tests, preoperative labs, antibiotics for upper respiratory infections, and imaging for eye disease. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS: Low-value care is prevalent and costly within a large statewide employer. Collaborative multidisciplinary partnerships between employers, health systems, informatics, and researchers can leverage existing data to identify opportunities for improving the value of care for covered populations.

Trends in Low-Value Health Service Use and Spending in the US Medicare Fee-for-Service Program, 2014-2018

Low-value care, defined as care offering no net benefit in specific clinical scenarios, is associated with harmful outcomes in patients and wasteful spending. Despite a national education campaign and increasing attention on reducing health care waste, recent trends in low-value care delivery remain unknown. To assess national trends in low-value care use and spending. In this cross-sectional study, analyses of low-value care use and spending from 2014 to 2018 were conducted using 100% Medicare fee-for-service enrollment and claims data. Included individuals were aged 65 years or older and continuously enrolled in Medicare parts A, B, and D during each measurement year and the previous year. Data were analyzed from September 2019 through December 2020. Being enrolled in fee-for-service Medicare for a period of time, in years. The Milliman MedInsight Health Waste Calculator was used to assess 32 claims-based measures of low-value care associated with Choosing Wisely recommendations and other professional guidelines. The calculator designates services as wasteful, likely wasteful, or not wasteful based on an absence of indication of appropriate use in the claims history; calculator-designated wasteful services were defined as low-value care. Spending was calculated as claim-line level (ie, spending on the low-value service) and claim level (ie, spending on the low-value service plus associated services), adjusting for inflation. Among 21 045 759 individuals with fee-for-service Medicare (mean [SD] age, 77.4 [7.9] years; 12 515 915 [59.5%] women), the percentage receiving any of 32 low-value services decreased from 36.3% (95% CI, 36.3%-36.4%) to 33.6% (95% CI, 33.6%-33.6%) from 2014 to 2018. Uses of low-value services per 1000 individuals decreased from 677.8 (95% CI, 676.2-679.5) to 632.7 (95% CI, 632.6-632.8) from 2014 to 2018. Three services comprised approximately two-thirds of uses among 32 low-value services per 1000 individuals: preoperative laboratory testing decreased from 213.8 (95% CI, 213.4-214.2) to 166.2 (95% CI, 166.2-166.2), while opioids for back pain increased from 154.4 (95% CI, 153.6-155.2) to 182.1 (95% CI, 182.1-182.1) and antibiotics for upper respiratory infections increased from 75.0 (95% CI, 75.0-75.1) to 82 (95% CI, 82.0-82.0). Spending per 1000 individuals on low-value care also decreased, from $52 765.5 (95% CI, $51 952.3-$53 578.6) to $46 921.7 (95% CI, $46 593.7-$47 249.7) at the claim-line level and from $160 070.4 (95% CI, $158 999.8-$161 141.0) to $144 741.1 (95% CI, $144 287.5-$145 194.7) at the claim level. This cross-sectional study found that among individuals with fee-for-service Medicare receiving any of 32 measured services, low-value care use and spending decreased marginally from 2014 to 2018, despite a national education campaign in collaboration with clinician specialty societies and increased attention on low-value care. While most use of low-value care came from 3 services, 1 of these was opioid prescriptions, which increased over time despite the harms associated with their use. These findings may represent several opportunities to prevent patient harm and lower spending.

Understanding determinants of patients\u2019 decisions to attend their family physician and to take antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infections: a qualitative descriptive study

BackgroundAlthough antibiotics have little or no benefit for most upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), they continue to be prescribed frequently in primary care. Physicians perceive that patients’ expectations influence their antibiotic prescribing practice; however, not all patients seek antibiotic treatment despite having similar symptoms. In this study, we explored patients’ views about URTIs, and the ways patients manage them (including attendance in primary care and taking antibiotics).MethodsUsing a qualitative descriptive design, adult English-speaking individuals at a Canadian health center were recruited through convenient sampling. The participants were interviewed using semi-structured interview guide based on the Common Sense-Self-Regulation Model (CS-SRM). The interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded according to CS-SRM dimensions (illness representations, coping strategies). Sampling continued until thematic saturation was achieved. Thematic analysis related to the dimensions of CS-SRM was applied.ResultsGenerally, participants had accurate perception about the symptoms of URTIs, as well as how to prevent and manage them. However, some participants revealed misconceptions about the causes of URTIs. Almost all participants mentioned that they only visited their doctor if their symptoms got progressively worse and they could no longer self-manage the symptoms. When visiting a doctor, most participants reported that they did not seek antibiotics. They expected to receive an examination and an explanation for their symptoms.ConclusionOur participants reported good understanding regarding the likely lack of benefit from antibiotics for URTIs. Developing interventions that specifically help patients discuss their concerns with their physicians, instead of providing more education to public may help in reducing the use of unnecessary antibiotics.

Advertisement of antibiotics for upper respiratory infections and equity in access to treatment: a cross-sectional study in Nepal

BackgroundPharmaceutical companies actively advertise their branded antibiotics, which influence their sales at community pharmacies. The major proportion of out of pocket health spending is on medicine; and affordability of antibiotics has always been a crucial issue in most developing countries. This study identified promotional activities adopted by pharmaceutical companies in community pharmacies and medicine shops and the affordability of selected antibiotics to clients with lowest wages in Kavrepalanchok district of Nepal.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among all community pharmacies and medicine shops (n = 34) in Dhulikhel and Banepa. Available pharmacists / personnel were interviewed, using a structured questionnaire, on the characteristics of the pharmacies, promotional activities, and sales and prices of antibiotics used to treat acute upper respiratory tract infections. This study looked at the association of promotional activities (financial bonus, free samples, and books/brochure/gifts) with the type of antibiotics. Further, affordability was assessed of the most popular antibiotics by comparing the total treatment cost against the lowest wage for unskilled workers in Nepal.ResultsFinancial bonus, free samples, and brochures were the most popular promotional activities. It is also noticed that antibiotics which are top selling were those with a high number of promotional activities. Amoxicillin, azithromycin and amoxicillin+clavulanate had 42, 29 and 17 promotional activities respectively. Irrespective of the prices of antibiotics, almost all of the most popular antibiotics for acute upper respiratory infections were unaffordable for unskilled workers costing them more than a day’s wage.ConclusionsUpper respiratory tract antibiotics are widely promoted at community pharmacies. The treatment cost of antibiotics is unaffordable for unskilled workers in Nepal irrespective of the type and unit cost of antibiotics.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices in Antibiotic Use in Family Medicine Students.

BackgroundInappropriate prescriptions of antibiotics lead to ineffective and unsafe treatments and worsening of diseases. Medical students may have deficiencies in their prescription skills and they may need further training in the use of antibiotics for their practice. Medical skills in prescribing antibiotics can be improved through continuous medical education. The aim of this study was to assess the current levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) in antibiotic prescription in upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) among postgraduate family medicine students in Ecuador.MethodsA cross-sectional study with an on-line survey, based on micro-curricular contents, to evaluate KAPs regarding antibiotic prescription in URTI among postgraduate family medicine students in 5 provinces of Ecuador.ResultsTwo hundred and seventy-three physicians responded (94.1%). Most physicians treated between 1 and 5 URTI cases per day. The odds for inadequate knowledge and inappropriate practices in URTI among postgraduate family medicine students were 8.74 (95%CI, 4.94-15.46, P < .001) and 5.99, (IC95%, 2.66-13.50, P < .001) in physicians who were students of the first half of the study program.ConclusionThe knowledge in URTI was limited among physicians. Nonetheless, they expressed a positive attitude toward not using antibiotics in URTI. A postgraduate program can significantly improve the knowledge and practices related to antibiotic prescriptions in URTI.

Use of antibiotics for patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of upper respiratory tract infections of less than 3 days to an outpatient department of a tertiary hospital in Sri Lanka

Background: Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) include common cold, pharyngitis, sinusitis, tracheobronchitis and influenza. URTIs are generally due to viral infections and do not require antibiotic treatment. But unnecessary use of antibiotics for URTIs is common all over the world. Objectives: Objective of this study was to identify use of antibiotics for patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of URTI for less than 3 days to an outpatient department (OPD) of the Teaching Hospital, Karapitiya (THK), Sri Lanka. Methods: Study was conducted as a cross sectional study using an interviewer administrated questionnaire. Results: Total of 612 patients with symptoms suggestive of URIs for less than three days were included in the study, of which, 440 were prescribed antibiotics (71.90%). The most commonly used antibiotic was amoxicillin and the least commonly used antibiotic was co-amoxiclav. Percentages of antibiotic prescription were 65.1%, 76.1% and 71.4% for below 12 years, between 12 – 60 years and above 60 years age categories respectively. Patients with sore throat, hoarseness and myalgia received the highest percentage of antibiotics. Similar percentage of patients with symptoms for less than 24hrs as well as more than 48hrs were prescribed antibiotics. Conclusions: Prescription of antibiotics in OPD of THK is considerable high for URIs. Rate of antibiotics prescription reported in this study is the highest rate compared to all other studies published on antibiotic prescription for URTI.

Development of a pharmacists’ antibiotic shared decision-making tool for adolescents in upper respiratory tract infections

Inappropriate use of antibiotics for upper respiratory infections is often seen in adolescents. The use of shared decision-making (SDM) tools has been shown to reduce this. Therefore, this study aims to develop an SDM aid for upper respiratory infections in adolescents. A steering committee was set up that consisted of a multidisciplinary team to develop the SDM aid based on the International Patient Decision Aids Standards (IPDAS) process. The aid was developed based on two scenarios: A — request for antibiotics without a valid prescription, and B — request for antibiotics with a prescription. A steering committee reviewed an extensive draft which was sent to 800 pharmacists for further input. Six hundred and eight respondents returned the completed survey. For scenario A, a total of 27 statements were included in the final decision aid. In scenario B, a total of 17 statements were included in the decision aid. The final draft was then reviewed and approved. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first SDM aid developed for antibiotic use among adolescents based on local data. Further work should be performed to promote its use, to ensure positive outcome of antibiotic use in upper respiratory infections.

OP85 Persistence Leads To Ongoing Decreases In Primary Care Antibiotic Use

IntroductionAustralia has had high rates of antibiotic use in primary care. Consumer and health professional knowledge and practices in the community vary. In 2012, NPS MedicineWise implemented a five-year national educational program for consumers, general practitioners (GPs) and pharmacies to reduce antibiotic use in Australia.MethodsFor consumers, a social marketing approach was used focusing on the winter months. Strategies leveraged collectivism, nudge theory, celebrity endorsement and co-creation and used multiple communication channels. For health professionals, interventions were most intense in 2012 with additional activities implemented each year including face-to-face educational visiting, audits, comparative prescribing feedback, case studies and point-of-care materials. Surveys were conducted periodically to evaluate changes in knowledge and awareness. Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) claims data were analyzed. Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development data was used to compare Australian antibiotic per capita consumption to other countries. Time series analyses were used to estimate the cumulative program effect comparing observed and expected monthly dispensing volumes of antibiotics commonly prescribed for upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), had interventions not occurred.ResultsBetween 2012 and 2017, GP antibiotic PBS prescriptions reduced by 18.4 percent. Antibiotic defined daily doses per 1000 inhabitants reduced from 23.7 in 2012 to 18.4 in 2016, similar to Norway (18.6 in 2016) and the UK (18.7). Time series modelling estimated 24.8 percent fewer GP antibiotic URTI prescriptions by 2017 versus no program. Consumer survey results indicated increased awareness of antibiotic resistance (50 percent in 2011, 74 percent in 2017) and the minority expect/request antibiotics for URTIs (22 percent in 2017).ConclusionsA five-year national educational program with multiple and repeated interventions for health professionals and consumers has resulted in ongoing reductions in antibiotic use in primary care.

Non-prescribed sale of antibiotics for acute childhood diarrhea and upper respiratory tract infection in community pharmacies: a 2 phase mixed-methods study

BackgroundAlthough prohibited by law and legal regulatory frameworks, non-prescribed sale of antibiotics in community medicine retail outlets (CMROs) remains a serious problem in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to document the extent of and motivations behind non-prescribed sale of antibiotics among CMROs in Gondar town, Ethiopia.MethodsA 2 phase mixed-methods study (a simulated patient visit followed by an in-depth interview) was conducted among CMROs in Gondar town, Ethiopia. Two clinical case scenarios (acute childhood diarrhea and upper respiratory tract infection) were presented and the practice of non-prescribed sale were measured and results were reported as percentages. Pharmacy staff (pharmacists and pharmacy assistants) were interviewed to examine factors/motivations behind dispensing antibiotics without a valid prescription.ResultsOut of 100 simulated visits (50 each scenarios) presented to drug retail outlets, 86 cases (86%) were provided with one or more medications. Of these, 18 (20.9%) asked about past medical and medication history and only 7 (8.1%) enquired about the patient’s history of drug allergy. The most frequently dispensed medication for acute childhood diarrhoea simulation were oral rehydration fluid (ORS) with zinc (n = 16) and Metronidazole (n = 15). Among the dispensed antibiotics for upper respiratory infection simulation, the most common was Amoxicillin (n = 23) followed by Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid capsule (n = 19) and Azithromycin (n = 15). Perceived financial benefit, high expectation and/or demand of customers and competition among pharmacies were cited as the main drivers behind selling antibiotics without a prescription.ConclusionsA stringent law and policy enforcement regarding the sale of antibiotics without a valid prescription should be in place. This will ultimately help to shift the current pharmacy practices from commercial and business-based interests/practices to the provision of primary healthcare services to the community.

Measurement of Knowledge, attitudes and practices of parents on misuse of antibiotics in children with acute upper respiratory tract infections in Sohag district

Background: Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are considered to be the most common reason for children’s visits to outpatient clinics. The emergence and spread of resistance related to the irrational use of antibiotics is a major global public health problem. Aim of the work: This study aimed to assess parents’ knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding the use of antibiotics in URTIs in children. Methodology: A cross-sectional study wascarried out among parents(N=800) of children who were attending the maternal and child health center in Sohag city and the family medicine unit in Elmahamdaelbahria village in the period from 1st July 2016 till 31th May 2017 .Results:Our results revealed that females were about 62.6%, those not sharing in labor force were 55.9 %, and urban parents were about58.8%. The mean age of parents was 33 years old.There is a statistically highly significant difference between mother & father in mean scoresof knowledge, attitude, practice; they were lower in fathers. Also, there is statistically significant difference between parents with different ages in practice score. There are highly statistically significant differences between mothers who were sharing and not sharing in labor force in Attitude, Practice scores. Conclusion:Parents with loweducational level, rural residence, low income and with two children or less have lack of knowledge ,inappropriate beliefs andpractices so they are vulnerable for misusing antibiotics for their children.

Using Leaflets to Reduce Inappropriate Antibiotics for Upper Respiratory Infections

Using Leaflets to Reduce Inappropriate Antibiotics for Upper Respiratory Infections

Evaluation of Parents Knowledge about the Dangerous Effect of Excessive Use of Antibiotics on Children with URTIs in Saudi Arabia, 2017

Background: upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are highly encountered by children all over the world with repeating episodes from 6-8 times during the year. However being of viral origin and a self-limited disease, many parents’ attitudes forces physician to use antibiotics thus resulting in antibiotic resistance. Objectives: to study the parental knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) toward antibiotic use among children with URTIs in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods: a self-administered questionnaire was distributed among parents presented at a random sample of primary schools in KSA from February 2017 to June 2017. Results: a total of 547 parents were included from different parts of KSA, most of them were females, graduated from a college and received a moderate income. Overall, KAP toward using antibiotics in URTI for children was very low among 72% of subjects and was good in only 28% of subjects showing that there was inappropriate level of KAP among the studied population. Conclusion: Saudi parents have inadequate knowledge about antibiotic use in children for treating URTIs that showed incorrect answers for attitudes and practices.

Choosing Reports Wisely: Considerations in Reporting for Clinical Improvement

Background: Group Health has undertaken a number of clinical improvement initiatives arising from the ABIM Foundation Choosing Wisely® campaign. Currently, the particular focus is on reducing the use of antibiotics for upper respiratory infections. To support this effort, clear, timely, reliable reporting is required to understand the current state and motivate and recognize change.

Misconceptions and Malpractices Toward Antibiotic Use in Childhood Upper Respiratory Tract Infections Among a Cohort of Lebanese Parents.

Antimicrobial resistance is an emerging global health threat. Misuse and abuse of antibiotics are of particular concern in the pediatric population. Since management of childhood illnesses depends considerably on parents' perceptions, the objectives of this study were to report parents' perspectives and assess their practices toward antibiotics used for upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in children. Using a cross-sectional design, anonymous structured questionnaires were completed by 1,037 parents in public and private schools across Lebanon's largest governorate. Descriptive statistics were used to report participants' responses. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify factors affecting knowledge and malpractice related to antibiotic use. Significant misconceptions and malpractices were identified among parents. For instance, 33.9% of parents considered that antibiotics are helpful in treating common cold among children and 36.2% believed antibiotics expedite the recovery of their child with common cold infection. Moreover, there was a lack of knowledge concerning antibiotic coverage, since 37.9% of the respondents believed that antibiotics treat viral infections and 21.5% were neutral toward this question. Around 20% of the participants believed they can reduce the dose of antibiotics if the child gets better. Significant factors associated with poor knowledge and misuses were parents' lower educational and socioeconomic levels. Despite extensive evidence on the limited role of antibiotics in URTIs, parents in Lebanon continue to misuse them. More concerted efforts are needed to improve parents' knowledge and practices with regard to the rational use of antibiotics.

Parental knowledge of antibiotic use in children with respiratory infections: a systematic review.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an increasing global problem. AMR threatens the effective prevention and treatment of an ever-increasing range of infections caused by bacteria, parasites, viruses and fungi. The misuse and overuse of antibiotics (AB) is the major contributor to the emergence of resistant bacteria in humans. To present and describe characteristics in parents' knowledge about when and how to use AB for an upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), their attitudes towards doctors and AB use in general, and their behaviour when their child suffers from an URTI. The database search was conducted in EMBASE and PubMed for articles published in English, French, Spanish and Scandinavian languages from the inception until May 2016. Qualitative and quantitative studies with focus on parent' knowledge, attitude and behaviour concerning treatment with AB for URTIs among children and adolescents were included. Extracted information included date of study, design, focus, location and population, parental knowledge, attitudes and behaviours regarding paediatric AB use and parental socioeconomic and sociodemographic characteristics. Parental knowledge about the causes of URTIs and when to use AB, education and parental and children's age affect attitudes and behaviours. However, good level of knowledge about AB (when and how to use it), often correlated with living in a Western country and belonging to high socioeconomic position, does not always imply judicious use of AB for URTIs among children. Providing parents with a contingency plan and clarifications on why an AB is not needed for common colds improves parental satisfaction with their physicians. Evidence gathered from 20 countries from studies published in the last 20years shows that parental knowledge still plays a major role in when and how to use AB for URTIs among children. However, parents are not disappointed if the physician does not prescribe AB, provided that proper explanations and a contingency plan are given.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards antibiotic use in upper respiratory tract infections among patients seeking primary health care in Singapore.

BackgroundPatients’ expectations can influence antibiotic prescription by primary healthcare physicians. We assessed knowledge, attitude and practices towards antibiotic use for upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), and whether knowledge is associated with increased expectations for antibiotics among patients visiting primary healthcare services in Singapore.MethodsData was collected through a cross-sectional interviewer-assisted survey of patients aged ≥21 years waiting to see primary healthcare practitioners for one or more symptoms suggestive of URTI (cough, sore throat, runny nose or blocked nose) for 7 days or less, covering the demographics, presenting symptoms, knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices of URTI and associated antibiotic use. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to assess independent factors associated with patients’ expectations for antibiotics.ResultsNine hundred fourteen out of 987 eligible patients consulting 35 doctors were recruited from 24 private sector primary care clinics in Singapore. A third (307/907) expected antibiotics, of which a substantial proportion would ask the doctor for antibiotics (121/304, 40 %) and/or see another doctor (31/304, 10 %) if antibiotics were not prescribed. The majority agreed “antibiotics are effective against viruses” (715/914, 78 %) and that “antibiotics cure URTI faster” (594/912, 65 %). Inappropriate antibiotic practices include “keeping antibiotics stock at home” (125/913, 12 %), “taking leftover antibiotics” (114/913, 14 %) and giving antibiotics to family members (62/913, 7 %). On multivariate regression, the following factors were independently associated with wanting antibiotics (odds ratio; 95 % confidence interval): Malay ethnicity (1.67; 1.00–2.79), living in private housing (1.69; 1.13–2.51), presence of sore throat (1.50; 1.07–2.10) or fever (1.46; 1.01–2.12), perception that illness is serious (1.70; 1.27–2.27), belief that antibiotics cure URTI faster (5.35; 3.76–7.62) and not knowing URTI resolves on its own (2.18; 1.08–2.06), while post-secondary education (0.67; 0.48–0.94) was inversely associated. Those with lower educational levels were significantly more likely to have multiple misconceptions about antibiotics.ConclusionMajority of patients seeking primary health care in Singapore are misinformed about the role of antibiotics in URTI. Agreeing with the statement that antibiotics cure URTI faster was most strongly associated with wanting antibiotics. Those with higher educational levels were less likely to want antibiotics, while those with lower educational levels more likely to have incorrect knowledge.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12875-016-0547-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Perceptions of medical students towards antibiotic prescribing for upper respiratory tract infections in Saudi Arabia.

IntroductionThis survey evaluates knowledge, attitudes and practices of medical students towards use of antibiotics for upper respiratory infections (URTIs).MethodologyCross-sectional questionnaire study among 1042 randomly selected medical students in Saudi Arabia.ResultsRespondents were mostly Saudis (97.5%), had previous knowledge of antibiotics (99.7%) and their usage (98.3%) against bacterial infections (93.7%). 18.1% thought that they could be used for viral infections. Nearly all students (97.2%) used antibiotics themselves during the previous year and self-medication without a prescription was high at 49% of cases. Most antibiotics were taken for URTI symptoms (61.8%). Female medical students had better knowledge on antibiotic effectiveness against bacteria and viruses, and overall knowledge increased with study year. Health seeking behaviour rates for symptoms of RTI and associated estimated necessity for antibiotics varied but were highest for cough with yellow/green phlegm.ConclusionsThe depth of knowledge that healthcare professionals have in relation to the proper use of antibiotics is essential in spreading the right message within communities. This is the first large study among medical students in Saudi Arabia, shedding important light on areas for improvement in the medical curriculum as well as antibiotic practices of medical students themselves.