Attitude and Practices of Antibiotic Use and Resistance Among Parents of Under-5 Children

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health challenge.
• The misuse of antibiotics in community settings significantly contributes to AMR.
• Understanding parental attitudes and practices is crucial for developing effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate parental attitudes and practices concerning antibiotic use in children under 5 years.
• To identify factors influencing these attitudes and practices in urban and peri-urban Pune, India.
• To inform strategies for promoting rational antibiotic use and combating AMR.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study involving 400 parents of children under 5 years.
• Utilized a validated structured questionnaire to collect data on attitudes and practices.
• Employed logistic regression to analyze the association between socioeconomic factors and antibiotic use behaviors.

Main Results:

• While 75% of parents consulted a doctor, 60% believed antibiotics were the first-line treatment for any illness.
• Significant percentages of parents exhibited risky behaviors: 45% did not complete prescribed courses, and 40% used leftover antibiotics without consultation.
• Lower income was significantly associated with less positive attitudes (OR=0.543) and poorer practices (OR=0.496) regarding antibiotic use.

Conclusions:

• Persistent misconceptions and risky antibiotic practices exist among parents, even with high trust in healthcare providers.
• Socioeconomic disparities, particularly income, significantly impact parental attitudes and practices related to antibiotic use.
• Interventions should address socioeconomic factors, regulate over-the-counter access, and enhance community education to promote rational antibiotic use and mitigate AMR.