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Recurrent antibiotic use in a small child and the effects on the family
Katri Louhi-Pirkanniemi1, Päivi Rautava, Minna Aromaa
1Department of Public Health, University of Turku, Turku, Finland. katlou@netti.fi
Insights
Children receiving recurrent antibiotic therapy (RTA) often have allergies and require special diets. Breastfeeding and home-based daycare can prevent RTA, and fathers need support for stress related to recurrent infections.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Recurrent antibiotic therapy (RTA) in young children is a growing concern.
- Understanding the factors associated with RTA is crucial for effective intervention.
- The impact of RTA on family well-being requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify characteristics of children receiving RTA.
- To examine the effects of RTA on families.
- To explore protective factors against RTA.
Main Methods:
- Prospective population-based questionnaire study in Finland.
- 1443 families expecting their first child were followed from pregnancy to child's 18 months.
- Recurrent antibiotic therapy (RTA) defined as 6+ antibiotic courses in the first 18 months.
Main Results:
- Children on RTA had more physician visits for fever/colds.
- RTA associated with daycare, allergies, and special diets.
- Extended breastfeeding (>3 months) showed a protective effect.
Conclusions:
- Low threshold for seeking medical help in RTA families.
- Breastfeeding and home daycare are recommended to prevent RTA.
- Support for families, particularly fathers, is essential for children with recurrent infections.
Objective:
To determine the typical characteristics of small children on recurrent therapy with antibiotics (RTA) and the effects RTA have on the families.
Design:
Stratified randomised cluster sampling.
Setting:
An unselected population-based questionnaire study in Finland.
Subjects:
Parents (n = 1443) expecting their first child were followed prospectively from the mother's early pregnancy until the child was 18 months of age.
Main Outcome Measures:
The outcome measure was the number of courses of antibiotic therapy (options: 011-51 > or = 6) during the child's first 18 months of life. Six or more courses were considered RTA. Associated variables were child- and family-related factors during the child's first 18 months of life.
Results:
Children on RTA were taken to see a physician more often than other children when they had fever or a common cold. RTA was significantly associated with the child's day care outside the home, allergy and need for a special diet. The father's severe stress was associated with the child's RTA. Breastfeeding lasting more than 3 months was found to have a protective effect against RTA.
Conclusion:
The threshold for seeking medical help was low in the families of children on RTA, which is best avoided by breastfeeding and day care at home. Health care staff should not forget to support families, especially the fathers, with children experiencing recurrent infections.
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