Parents' knowledge of antibiotic risks for children in Saudi Arabia, 2017
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Evaluation of parents knowledge about the dangerous effect of excessive use of antibiotics on children with urtis in saudi arabia, 2017
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Original source:
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Maram Mohammed Aljohani, Mai khalid alakhmimi, Abdulaziz Zaher Alalmaei, Musab Shakir Alshareef, Saad saleh aldughaythir, Ahmed abdullah saleh alenazi, Seba Ghaithan AlAmri, Rawan Ahmad Alsahafi,
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Evaluation of parents knowledge about the dangerous effect of excessive use of antibiotics on children with urtis in saudi arabia, 2017
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr201712-9666
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are among the most common illnesses affecting children globally. In Saudi Arabia, these infections result in repeated medical visits, with parents often turning to antibiotics despite the viral nature of most URTIs. A study conducted by Maram Mohammed Aljohani and colleagues in 2017 aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of parents regarding the use of antibiotics for their children suffering from URTIs. The findings indicated a significant gap in understanding the appropriate use of antibiotics, contributing to the growing issue of antibiotic resistance.
Parental Knowledge of Antibiotics
The study revealed alarming levels of misunderstanding among parents about antibiotics. A substantial percentage—67%—admitted to self-prescribing antibiotics for their children, while many held the incorrect view that antibiotics could effectively treat flu-like symptoms or that they could speed up recovery from infections. Only about 39% of participants recognized that URTIs are primarily of viral origin, indicating low awareness of the necessity of antibiotic treatment. While the majority acknowledged the risks of antibiotic overuse, such as bacterial resistance, misconceptions still permeated their knowledge base.
Attitudes Towards Antibiotic Use
Parental attitudes towards antibiotic use were mixed, with some showing a positive inclination toward being informed about the appropriate use of antibiotics (52.8%), and recognizing that URTIs can clear up without them (60%). However, a concerning number of parents were willing to reuse leftover antibiotics when symptoms arose, and a significant majority would not hesitate to switch pediatricians if antibiotics were not prescribed during visits. These attitudes reflect a reliance on antibiotics that could perpetuate misuse and pose further risks to child health.
Practice Patterns Regarding Antibiotic Use
The study assessed how often parents engaged with healthcare professionals about antibiotics. While 60.1% reported that pediatricians prescribed antibiotics upon parental request, 77.1% followed the instructions given by their doctors. Interestingly, a high percentage (71.8%) sought clarification on the necessity of antibiotics, showcasing a degree of willingness to engage in communication about treatment options. However, the tendency to insist on antibiotics despite a lack of medical need remains concerning.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the study showcased that Saudi parents possess inadequate knowledge regarding the dangers and correct usage of antibiotics for treating URTIs in children. This misunderstanding is a significant contributor to the rising trend of antibiotic resistance, which is a global concern. The authors emphasize the need for educational initiatives targeting parents and healthcare providers, along with regulatory measures that prevent the over-the-counter sale of antibiotics. Through enhanced awareness and proper guidance, it is possible to promote better health practices and reduce unnecessary antibiotic usage in children.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the main focus of the study conducted in Saudi Arabia?
The study focuses on evaluating parents' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the excessive use of antibiotics in treating upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in children.
What percentage of parents displayed inadequate knowledge about antibiotics?
The study found that 72% of the participating parents had a very low level of knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding the use of antibiotics for treating URTIs.
What misconception do parents have regarding antibiotics and fever in children?
Many parents mistakenly believe antibiotics should be used for any feverish child, leading to inappropriate treatments for conditions that are often viral in nature.
How significant is the issue of antibiotic resistance related to this study?
The misuse of antibiotics contributes to antibiotic resistance, which poses a public health threat, especially for children, as emphasized by the findings of this study.
What demographic predominantly participated in the study?
The majority of participants were mothers (62.9%), most of whom had a college degree, suggesting a strong interest in their children's health.
What recommendations does the study make for improving antibiotic use education?
The study suggests that educational campaigns, regulations, and policies are necessary to improve parental knowledge about appropriate antibiotic use for URTIs in children.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Parents' knowledge of antibiotic risks for children in Saudi Arabia, 2017”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibiotics are medications used to treat infections caused by bacteria. In the context of the study, awareness about antibiotic use among parents is crucial, particularly concerning their misuse for treating viral infections like upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in children, which can contribute to antibiotic resistance.
2) Knowledge:
Knowledge refers to the understanding and information that parents possess regarding the use of antibiotics. This study aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge among parents about antibiotics' effects, particularly their misconception that antibiotics are necessary for viral infections, which is a primary concern in fighting antibiotic resistance.
3) Study (Studying):
The study is a research investigation that examines parents' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding antibiotic use for children with URTIs. It employs a self-administered questionnaire to assess parental understanding and behavior related to antibiotic prescriptions, contributing to a larger discussion on public health and antibiotic stewardship.
4) Table:
Tables in the study present data in a structured manner, summarizing the demographic characteristics of the participants and their responses to knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding antibiotic use. This organized format aids in better understanding the survey results and facilitates comparison of different data points effectively.
5) Pur:
Poor signifies inadequate or unsatisfactory levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices among parents regarding antibiotic use. In the study, it is highlighted that a significant majority (72%) of participants displayed poor understanding and misconceptions about antibiotics, raising concerns about the potential impact on children's health and antibiotic resistance.
6) Visit:
Visit refers to the consultations or appointments parents take their children to healthcare providers regarding health issues like URTIs. These visits are significant in understanding how parental pressure can lead physicians to prescribe antibiotics, even when not clinically warranted, contributing to the larger issue of antibiotic overuse.
7) King:
The term 'King' relates to the institutions mentioned in the study, such as King AbdulAziz University. This highlights the academic and research context from which the study originates, emphasizing the important role of educational institutions in advancing knowledge and practices about healthcare, including responsible antibiotic use.
8) Drug:
Drugs, particularly antibiotics, are central to the study's focus as the research evaluates parents' understanding and attitudes toward them. Misuse of antibiotics has health implications, including resistance development. The study seeks to elucidate how parents perceive and utilize these drugs for treating infections in children.
9) Overuse:
Overuse describes the excessive and inappropriate use of antibiotics for conditions such as URTIs. In the study, it discusses how misconceptions among parents lead to requests for antibiotics, contributing to broader healthcare issues like antibiotic resistance, underlining the need for better education and awareness.
10) Disease:
Disease refers to health conditions like URTIs that affect children and often lead to unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions. The study focuses on understanding how parental perceptions influence the management of such diseases and highlights the need for correct information to prevent inappropriate antibiotic use.
11) Science (Scientific):
Science reflects the systematic study of the natural world, including medicine and pharmacology. The research presented in the study employs scientific methods to assess parental knowledge and practices regarding antibiotic use, emphasizing the intersection of healthcare, education, and public health science.
12) Maram:
Maram Mohammed Aljohani is the corresponding author of the study, indicating her role in conducting and disseminating the research. Her participation highlights individual contributions to scientific inquiry and underscores the collaborative nature of research efforts in addressing public health concerns.
13) Pose:
Pose signifies the presentation of challenges or issues, particularly in the context of parental misconceptions about antibiotic use. The study elucidates how these misconceptions pose significant risks to child health and exacerbate the problem of antibiotic resistance, highlighting the need for intervention.
14) Perception:
Perception refers to how parents interpret and understand the role of antibiotics in treating illnesses like URTIs. The study investigates the disconnect between medical guidelines and parental beliefs, emphasizing the importance of addressing these perceptions to improve health outcomes and antibiotic stewardship.
15) Discussion:
Discussion indicates the dialogue surrounding the implications of the study's findings. It addresses the reasons behind the inadequate knowledge among parents and suggests education as a vital step toward improving practices related to antibiotic use in children, contributing to better public health outcomes.
16) Education:
Education is emphasized as a crucial element in enhancing parents' understanding and correct practices regarding antibiotic use. The study suggests that providing parents with accurate information can help dispel misconceptions and discourage inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions, ultimately fostering better healthcare practices.
17) Attending:
Attending refers to the involvement of parents in school events where they engage with healthcare providers about their children's health. The context of the study illustrates how parents' participation in such events can facilitate the collection of data regarding their knowledge and attitudes toward antibiotic use.
18) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses practices involved in diagnosing and treating illnesses, including the use of antibiotics. The study highlights the relationship between parental understanding of medicine and their behaviors regarding antibiotic prescriptions, pointing out the necessity for enhancing medical knowledge among parents.
19) Activity:
Activity, in this context, refers to the actions or behaviors of parents regarding health management for their children. The study evaluates how parents' activity in asking for antibiotics affects prescription patterns and contributes to the broader problem of antibiotic misuse and resistance.
20) Misuse:
Misuse highlights the inappropriate use of antibiotics by parents due to misconceptions about their necessity for treating viral infections like URTIs. The study sheds light on how this misuse can lead to increased antibiotic resistance, underscoring the need for public health awareness and education.
21) Fever:
Fever is a common symptom in children that prompts parents to seek medical attention. The study explores the tendency among parents to administer antibiotics for feverish children, regardless of the underlying cause, emphasizing the dangers of such practices in relation to antibiotic resistance.
22) Hand:
Hand signifies the personal involvement of parents in managing their children's health, often leading to self-medication practices. The study discusses how parental hand (or influence) can lead to the self-administration of antibiotics, contributing to the potential for misuse and antibiotic resistance.
23) Cina:
Sina refers to Ibn Sina National College, one of the institutions involved in the research. The association emphasizes the importance of academic collaboration in health research, advancing knowledge about antibiotic misuse and working towards improved health outcomes for children across Saudi Arabia.
24) Male:
Male refers to the gender of some of the parents in the study. The demographic analysis shows a predominance of female respondents, thereby highlighting different parental roles and perspectives on children's health management. Understanding these dynamics is essential for tailoring educational interventions.