EXPLORATION OF PARENTS KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE TOWARDS THE USE OF ANTIBIOTICS AND ITS RESISTANCE IN PAEDIATRICS IN A RURAL AREA - NAMAKKAL, TAMILNADU

Dr. N. SenthilKumar, Dr. Sivasakthi, *Sirajul Muneer M. A., Aswin P. Raj, Abhirami Jayachandran, Annmary Joseph

ABSTRACT

Antimicrobial resistance is an increasing global problem. Misuse and overuse of antibiotics is the major contribution to the emergence of resistant bacteria in humans. The purpose of the study is to describe the parents knowledge about when and how to use antibiotics for an infection, their attitude towards doctor and antibiotic use in general. The objective of the study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice of parents towards the use of antibiotics and its resistance, factors associated with parents self-medicating their children with antibiotics, interaction between parents and physician regarding antibiotic treatments. 150 parents of pediatrics qualifying the study criteria were enrolled in the study for a period of 6 months. Self-made questionnaire had been used in the study. most of the parents were uneducated (69%) had not been attended any medical training (84%). Most of the parents rely on antibiotic as over the counter drugs for common diseases without proper knowledge (58%). 77.30% parents were unaware about the antibiotic resistance respectively. 72% parents believe that antibiotics are used for viral infection. 96% were unaware about overuse and misuse of antibiotic increase the risk of antibiotics resistance. 51% of parents wish to further informed about judicious use of antibiotics. 62.6% parents never give antibiotics to their children with less dose than drug instruction in consideration of safety. Only 23% were always follows pediatrician‟s instructions and advice regarding the antibiotics. Pharmacist can play an active role in making a better interaction with parents, leads to proper guidance of their children to antibiotic usage. Strategies of effective counselling, appropriate prescriptions, periodic upgraded training programs for health care team, strengthening and application of regulations related to OTC sale of antibiotics in community level can eventually reduce these unhealthy practices and improving the knowledge and attitude regarding antibiotic use. Develop educational programs to improve awareness of population about rational antibiotic usage.

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