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Parental knowledge of antibiotic use in children with respiratory infections: a systematic review
Lourdes Cantarero-Arévalo1, Mia Pavelics Hallas1, Susanne Kaae1
1Section for Social and Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Objective:
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.
Key Findings:
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.
Summary:
Evidence gathered from 20 countries from studies published in the last 20 years 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.
Insights
Parental knowledge significantly influences antibiotic use for pediatric upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). Providing clear explanations and contingency plans improves parental satisfaction, even without antibiotic prescriptions.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health crisis, largely driven by the misuse and overuse of antibiotics.
- Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in children are frequently treated with antibiotics, contributing to the development of AMR.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine parental knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding antibiotic use for pediatric URTIs.
- To understand factors influencing parental decisions about antibiotic prescriptions for children's common colds.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of qualitative and quantitative studies was conducted.
- Searched EMBASE and PubMed databases for relevant articles published in English, French, Spanish, and Scandinavian languages up to May 2016.
- Extracted data on study characteristics, parental knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and demographics.
Main Results:
- Parental knowledge about URTIs and appropriate antibiotic use is a key factor in prescribing behavior.
- Higher socioeconomic status and living in Western countries correlate with better knowledge but not always judicious antibiotic use.
- Effective communication, including providing contingency plans and explaining why antibiotics are unnecessary for viral infections, enhances parental satisfaction with healthcare providers.
Conclusions:
- Parental knowledge remains crucial in guiding appropriate antibiotic use for pediatric URTIs.
- Physicians can improve patient outcomes and combat AMR by educating parents and offering alternative management strategies, such as contingency plans, rather than solely relying on antibiotic prescriptions.
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