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Differences in antibiotic use and knowledge between adolescent and adult mothers in Ecuador

Arturo Quizhpe P1, Martyna Gassowski2, Lorena Encalada T3

  • 1International Center for Health Systems Research and Education, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, 500 HB, Nijmegen, Netherlands ; Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Cuenca, Cuenca, EC010107, Ecuador.

F1000Research
|February 25, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Adolescent mothers show lower adherence to antibiotic treatment and less knowledge about antibiotic risks and resistance compared to adult mothers. Understanding these differences is key for effective interventions in Ecuador.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health concern.
  • Understanding maternal knowledge and practices regarding antibiotic use is crucial for child health.
  • Adolescent mothers may have unique challenges influencing their health-related decisions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare antibiotic use and knowledge between adolescent and adult mothers of children under five in Ecuador.
  • To identify disparities in understanding antibiotic risks and resistance.
  • To inform targeted public health interventions.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study involving 777 mothers and their children under five with upper respiratory tract infections.
  • Data collected via interviews using a structured questionnaire.
  • Assessed knowledge of antibiotic treatment, risks, and resistance, alongside adherence.

Main Results:

  • Adolescent mothers (15.8%) differed significantly from adult mothers (84.1%) in socio-economic factors.
  • Adolescent mothers reported lower adherence (75.4% vs. 83.5%) and less knowledge about antibiotic risks (15.0% vs. 28.5%) and resistance (19.8% vs. 29.3%).
  • Significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) were observed in all assessed areas.

Conclusions:

  • Significant disparities exist in antibiotic knowledge and adherence between adolescent and adult mothers.
  • Socio-economic factors may contribute to these differences.
  • Tailored interventions are necessary to improve antibiotic stewardship among adolescent mothers.
Abstract

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