Parental knowledge, attitudes and practices on the use of antibiotics in children: a cross-sectional study in UAE

Abstract

Background: Lack of parental education and a poor attitude are major factors in the emergence of antibiotic resistance. Our goal was to compile information on parents’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) on the usage of antibiotics. Finding the variables connected to parent KAP scores and Practice was our secondary goal. Methods: A KAP questionnaire was distributed virtually in the UAE. A 28-item questionnaire was devised for this cross-sectional survey based on a comprehensive review of the subject. Questionnaires were scored on 18 items regarding parent antibiotic-related KAP, with one point for every correct response and a possible range of 0–10 for knowledge, 0–6 for attitudes, and 0–3 for practices. Higher scores indicated better KAP. Chi-squared tests and logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with practices and combined KAP scores. Results: Four Hundred parents from all over the UAE participated in the study with majority of the participants from Dubai (65%). Around 80% of the participants were mothers of 3-4 children. The mean knowledge score was 8.61 out of 10, the average attitude score was 15.13 out of 18 and the practice average score was 8.34 out of 9. Approximately 25% of the participants misbelieve that antibiotics can cure all types of infections (bacterial or viral). More than 10% believe it is ok to reuse antibiotics if symptoms are similar among the siblings. There was a statistically significant association between parental antibiotic-related knowledge or attitude and practice. Conclusions: In general, findings have shown a high level of parental knowledge, attitudes, and practice regarding the use of antibiotics among their children in the UAE. However, parents have shown some misconceptions and negative attitudes in this regard. Easy access of the public to antibiotics should be highly restricted and excess prescriptions of antibiotics should be limited.