Effect of "Pink Eye" Label on Parents' Intent to Use Antibiotics and Perceived Contagiousness

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Clinical Communication
• Infectious Disease

Background:

• Acute viral conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is a frequent pediatric concern.
• Parental understanding of antibiotic efficacy for viral infections influences treatment preferences.
• The language used by healthcare providers can shape parental perceptions and expectations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how different terminology for acute viral conjunctivitis affects parental interest in antibiotic treatment.
• To assess the impact of discussing antibiotic ineffectiveness on parental preferences when using "pink eye" versus "eye infection" labels.

Main Methods:

• A 2x2 randomized survey design was employed.
• Parents received clinical vignettes describing a child with symptoms of acute viral conjunctivitis.
• Vignettes varied in physician's terminology ("pink eye" vs. "eye infection") and discussion of antibiotic effectiveness.

Main Results:

• Parents remained interested in antibiotics when symptoms were labeled "pink eye," irrespective of ineffectiveness information.
• Labeling symptoms as "eye infection" combined with information on antibiotic ineffectiveness significantly reduced parental interest in antibiotics (Mdiff = 1.63, P < .001).
• The "pink eye" label also led parents to perceive symptoms as more contagious and less compatible with child care.

Conclusions:

• The terminology used to describe acute viral conjunctivitis significantly influences parental expectations regarding antibiotic treatment.
• Healthcare providers should be mindful of language, as "pink eye" may foster unwarranted antibiotic interest.
• Clear communication about antibiotic ineffectiveness is more impactful when using neutral terms like "eye infection."