KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICE OF PARENTS REGARDING ANTIBIOTIC USAGE IN TREATING CHILDRENS UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTION ATTENDING PRIMARY HEALTH CARE CENTERS IN AL-MADINAH CITY

Background: Upper respiratory tract infections are common in children and represent a significant cause of antibiotic abuse. Parents knowledge and attitudes often contribute to inappropriate prescription of antibiotics and promoting antibiotics resistance. Aims and objectives: This study was conducted to assess parental knowledge and to identify their attitudes and practices related to antibiotic use in the treatment of childhood upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). Methods: This cross‐sectional study is conducted in Al-Madinahcity using validated and translated questionnaire which was distributed toattending parents in primary health care centers. Results: The results show that the Parents have moderate level of knowledge of the use of antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infections in children. The majorityof parents (50.9%) correctly sated that respiratory infections are often caused by a virus and do not need antibiotics. In this study, the majority of parents (40.1%) sated that Antibiotics should be given to all children when they develop a fever (high temperature). 21.4% of the of parents indicate that Antibiotics do not have any side effects. Regard to Parents practice toward the use of antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infections in children. The results of this study showed that (46.3%) 0f therespondents stated the most common symptoms leading to a visit to the physician is fever. n this study, (64.7%) of the of parents indicate that they thought that their physiciansprescribed antibiotics only because they asked him or her to do so. Also, (68.9%) of the of parents indicated that they asked the doctor directly to prescribe their child an antibiotic. Regard to Parents attitude about the use of antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infections in children. The results of this study showed that moderate level of attitudeof the use of antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infections in children(61.7%) of the parents stated that antibiotics are used too much and unnecessarily, And (28.8%) of the parents indicated that they would change pediatrician because he/she did not prescribe antibiotics for their child as you wanted. Conclusion:the findings of this study demonstrated that most of the participants were educated but misconceptions regarding antibiotic use in URTIs in children. This misconceptions led to inappropriate attitude and practice. Thus, launching public educational campaigns and encouraging physicians to educate parents regarding the proper use of antibiotics are recommended.