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Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Iraqi Parents Regarding Antibiotic Use in Children and the Implications
Omeed Darweesh1, Amanj Kurdi1,2,3,4, Marwan Merkhan5
1College of Pharmacy, Al-Kitab University, Kirkuk 36015, Iraq.
Insights
Iraqi parents possess knowledge about antibiotic ineffectiveness for viral infections but frequently misuse them. Targeted education is crucial to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and improve antibiotic practices in Iraq.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Antibiotic misuse is a significant global health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), contributing to antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
- Parental pressure for antibiotic prescriptions for children, often for viral infections, worsens inappropriate use in LMICs.
- Limited understanding of parental knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) regarding antibiotic use in Iraq hinders efforts to improve antibiotic stewardship.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) of Iraqi parents concerning antibiotic use in children.
- To identify factors influencing parental antibiotic-related behaviors.
- To inform future strategies for improving antibiotic use and combating AMR in Iraq.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was conducted from November 2023 to September 2024, involving 1878 parents across four Iraqi districts.
- A structured questionnaire assessed parents' KAPs regarding antibiotic use, prescription adherence, and treatment duration.
- Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests to explore associations between demographics and KAP indicators.
Main Results:
- A high percentage of parents (83%) knew antibiotics are ineffective for viral infections, and 75% were aware of potential side effects.
- Despite knowledge, 63% of parents administered antibiotics without a prescription, and 42% stopped treatment prematurely.
- Parental education and income levels correlated with increased self-medication; pharmacists were the primary information source for 52% of respondents.
Conclusions:
- Inappropriate antibiotic practices, including self-medication and early treatment discontinuation, are prevalent among Iraqi parents despite adequate knowledge.
- Targeted educational interventions are essential, especially for parents with higher education and income, to address these practices.
- Mitigating AMR in Iraq requires a focused approach on improving parental antibiotic-related behaviors and promoting rational antibiotic use.
Abstract:
Background: Antibiotic misuse is a major global health issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where inappropriate use contributes to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Inappropriate antibiotic use is exacerbated in LMICs by pressure from parents on physicians and pharmacists to prescribe and dispense antibiotics for their children, often for viral infections. There is currently limited knowledge of key issues in Iraq to improve future antibiotic use. Consequently, we explored knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) of Iraqi parents regarding antibiotic use in their children to provide future direction. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between November 2023 and September 2024 among 1878 parents in four districts of Iraq. A structured questionnaire assessed parents' KAPs towards antibiotic-related uses and practices. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests to examine the associations between demographic variables and KAP indicators. Results: Among the participants, 83% were aware that antibiotics are ineffective for viral infections, and 75% recognized potential side effects from antibiotics. Despite this knowledge, 63% of parents admitted to administering antibiotics to their children without a prescription, with 42% discontinuing treatment once symptoms improved. Factors including cost, dosage, and taste influenced antibiotic selection. Parents with higher education and income levels were more likely to engage in self-medication. Pharmacists were the primary source of antibiotic information for 52% of respondents. Conclusions: Despite adequate knowledge, inappropriate practices such as self-medication and discontinuing treatment early were prevalent. Targeted educational campaigns, particularly among parents with higher education levels and incomes, are necessary to mitigate AMR in Iraq.
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