Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 22, 2026
Multiplex Therapeutic Drug Monitoring by Isotope-dilution HPLC-MS/MS of Antibiotics in Critical Illnesses
Published on: August 30, 2018
A systematic review to explore influences on parental attitudes towards antibiotic prescribing in children
Helen Bosley1, Catherine Henshall1,2, Jane V Appleton1
1Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, Oxford Institute of Nursing, Midwifery & Allied Health Research (OxINMAHR), Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK.
Insights
Parental attitudes towards antibiotic prescribing are influenced by trust in healthcare providers and past experiences. Improved education and clear communication are needed to address poor antibiotic knowledge and promote appropriate use in children.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Health Behavior
Background:
- Antibiotic overuse and inappropriate prescribing contribute to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a significant global patient safety threat.
- In primary care, many antibiotics are prescribed for young children with viral illnesses, for which they are ineffective.
- Parental involvement in healthcare decisions and treatment requests for children is substantial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the factors that shape parental attitudes regarding antibiotic prescribing for children.
- To identify parental needs and knowledge gaps concerning antibiotic use and effectiveness.
- To inform strategies for improving antibiotic stewardship in pediatric primary care.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines.
- Searched multiple databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, etc.) for primary research from 2006-2016.
- Included all primary research types, appraised using the CASP tool; quantitative data were summarized descriptively, and qualitative data thematically analyzed.
Main Results:
- Twenty studies met inclusion criteria, revealing four key themes influencing parental attitudes.
- Themes included: quality of patient-provider relationships, managing conflicting health messages, rationalizing antibiotic use, and the impact of past parental experiences.
- Parents sought reassurance and advice, demonstrated limited antibiotic knowledge, and were swayed by personal history.
Conclusions:
- Accessible education, such as simple leaflets, is crucial for improving parental understanding of antibiotic use.
- Healthcare professionals should allocate sufficient time for reassurance and clear explanations of treatment decisions.
- Further research into cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic influences on parental attitudes is recommended.
Aims And Objectives:
To understand the factors influencing parental attitudes towards antibiotic prescribing.
Background:
Overuse of antibiotics and inappropriate prescribing has resulted in rapid development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and is a significant global threat to patient safety. In primary care settings, substantial numbers of antibiotics are prescribed for young children, despite viral nature of illness for which antibiotics are ineffective. Parents play a vital role in decision-making regarding accessing healthcare services and requesting treatment for their children.
Design:
A systematic review was conducted in alignment with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement (Moher et al., Systematic Reviews, 4, 2015, p. 1).
Methods:
The CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, The Cochrane Library, BRITISH NURSING INDEX, EMBASE and PUBMED databases were searched for primary research published between 2006-2016. All types of primary research were searched and screened against inclusion criteria. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool was used to appraise identified publications. Quantitative data were summarised descriptively, and qualitative data were thematically analysed.
Results:
A total of 515 publications were initially screened, and 55 full-text articles were eligibility assessed. Twenty papers met inclusion criteria. Four main themes were identified: the quality of relationships with healthcare providers, dealing with conflicting messages, rationalising antibiotic use and parental practices informed by past experience.
Conclusions:
Parents wanted reassurance and advice regarding children's illnesses, had poor antibiotic knowledge and were influenced by personal past experiences. More accessible education, including simple information leaflets, is required. Further research on the influence of culture, ethnicity and socio-economic factors would be beneficial.
Relevance To Clinical Practice:
Healthcare professionals must provide adequate time for reassurance and explanations of decision-making. Easy-to-read information regarding appropriate antibiotic usage should be easily accessible for parents.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Parenting Styles
Authoritarian Parenting
This style is strict and controlling, with little room for open dialogue. Authoritarian parents demand obedience and often enforce rules with minimal warmth. Children raised this way may lack social skills and initiative, usually comparing themselves to others unfavorably.
Authoritative...
01:23Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption
01:21Factors Affecting Drug Response: Overview
01:24Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism
01:23Influence of Parents and Peers on Identity
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth....
01:26Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion