Antibiotic Use for Upper Respiratory Infections in Children: Parent Perspectives in Greece
Author Information
Author(s): Panagakou Sotiria G, Spyridis Νikos, Papaevangelou Vassiliki, Theodoridou Kalliopi M, Goutziana Georgia P, Theodoridou Maria N, Syrogiannopoulos George A, Hadjichristodoulou Christos S
Primary Institution: University of Thessaly, Larisa, Greece
Hypothesis
What are the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of parents regarding antibiotic use for upper respiratory tract infections in children in Greece?
Conclusion
Greek parents have a trusted relationship with their pediatrician and rarely give antibiotics without medical advice, indicating that they contribute less than expected to antibiotic misuse.
Supporting Evidence
- 80% of Greek parents believe that URTIs are mostly self-limited.
- 74% of parents expect to receive antibiotics when a URTI diagnosis is given.
- 88% of parents believe that unnecessary antibiotic use drives antibiotic resistance.
- 10% of parents give antibiotics to their children without medical advice.
Takeaway
Most parents in Greece know that antibiotics aren't always needed for their kids' colds, but many still expect them when their child is sick.
Methodology
A knowledge-attitude-practice questionnaire was developed and distributed to Greek parents caring for children aged 5-6 years old.
Potential Biases
Responses may be influenced by embarrassment or misunderstanding of medical terms, especially among parents of low socioeconomic status or immigrants.
Limitations
Parents' recall of URTI experiences and antibiotic use may be poor, leading to inconsistent knowledge, attitudes, and practices.
Participant Demographics
{"gender":{"female":78.5,"male":21.5},"median_age":36.2,"mean_number_of_children":2.1,"insurance_status":{"insured":98,"uninsured":2},"income_levels":{"high":14.7,"moderate":69.8,"low":10.6},"education_levels":{"high_school":54.6,"college_university":40.2},"urban_residents":60.4,"immigrants":9.7,"single_parents":5.7,"chronic_diseases":14.9}
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95%
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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