Parental knowledge about antibiotic use: results of a cluster-randomized, multicommunity intervention

Identifying factors improving the intention to use antibiotics appropriately in children and adults using protection motivation theory

Objective

This study aimed to employ hypothetical models based on the protection motivation theory (PMT) to identify factors that improve the intention to use antibiotics appropriately (intention) among individuals who take antibiotics or administer them to their children.

Methods

Adult Japanese participants, including 600 parents who administer antibiotics to children aged <14 years and 600 adults who take them, completed an online survey. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted on hypothetical models representing intention using 19 questions based on PMT. If the hypothesized model did not fit, SEM was repeated to search for a new model.

Results

The hypothesized models did not fit. Two factors were extracted from SEM: "understanding the risk of antimicrobial resistance" and "excessive expectation of antibiotics." In adults, SEM revealed that "excessive expectation of antibiotics" (β = -0.50, p < 0.001) negatively influenced intention; in children, "excessive expectation of antibiotics" (β = -0.52, p < 0.001) negatively influenced intention, while "understanding the risk of antimicrobial resistance" (β = 0.22, p < 0.001) positively influenced intention.

Conclusion

Factors influencing intention varied between adult and pediatric antibiotic use.

Innovation

Awareness activities for appropriate antibiotic use should be tailored to population characteristics.

Opportunities to Improve Awareness of Antimicrobial Resistance Through Social Marketing: A Systematic Review of Interventions Targeting Parents and Children

Lack of knowledge from parents concerning the appropriate use of antimicrobials leads to poor treatment choices and mismanagement of antimicrobials for their children. Social marketing (SM) strategies have the potential to help parents access useful information on the appropriate use of antimicrobials. Still, its application in interventions targeting antimicrobial/antibiotic resistance awareness is minimal. This study explores the use of SM in antimicrobial/antibiotic awareness campaigns (AACs) to identify opportunities for SM approaches in developing future communication interventions targeting parents and children. We conduct a systematic review of interventions targeting parents and children between 2000 and 2022. Articles meeting the selection criteria were assessed against social marketing benchmark criteria (SMBC). We identified 6978 original records, 16 of which were included in the final review. None of the articles explicitly identified SM as part of their interventions. Twelve interventions (75%) included 1 to 4 (out of 8) benchmark criteria, while four (25%) had 5-8 benchmarks in their interventions. Of the interventions with less than four benchmark criteria, six studies (50%) reported a positive effect direction outcome, and six studies (50%) reported negative/no change direction on the outcome of interests. Meanwhile, all interventions with five or more SMBC resulted in a positive effect direction in their outcomes. In this review, the use of SM has shown promising results, indicating opportunities for future antimicrobial resistance (AMR) interventions that incorporate social marketing benchmark criteria to improve intervention outcomes.

Large-scale questionnaire survey of parents and guardians on antimicrobial resistance using group health checkups for infants and toddlers in Japan

BACKGROUND

It is important to improve the knowledge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among parents and guardians, to promote AMR stewardship in pediatrics. However, a large-scale survey on parents' knowledge and awareness of AMR has not yet been conducted in Japan. Furthermore, the current status of knowledge and awareness is unknown. Infant and toddler health checkups are large-scale administrative activities that approximately all children and their parents undergo in Japan. Therefore, we conducted a knowledge and awareness survey using a questionnaire during the group health checkups.

METHODS

All parents and guardians who participated in the group health checkups (4-month, 1.5-year, and 3-year) in Chiba City during the year were targeted. Parents' knowledge and awareness of AMR and their wishes for future information on AMR were surveyed using a one-choice questionnaire.

RESULTS

The questionnaire collection rate was 87.5% (16,663/19,047), and the valid response rate was 77.0% (14,674/19,047). Of the parents, 37.2% answered that "antibiotics are not effective for colds." However, 58.9% answered that they "had never heard of the drug-resistant bacteria." While 8.3% of parents answered that they "sometimes want my child to be prescribed antibiotics even if the doctor deemed it unnecessary," 46.1% of parents answered that "they were unaware of whether their children were prescribed antimicrobials."

CONCLUSIONS

Knowledge and awareness of AMR among parents in Japan are inadequate, and there is room for improvement. Continuous awareness-raising activities combining multiple methods are needed in the future.

Antibiotic use in infants within the first year of life is associated with the appearance of antibiotic-resistant genes in their feces

Background

Antibiotic resistance, an increasing challenge, is not only a national threat but also a global threat. Carriage of resistance genes is not limited to adults alone, various microbiota niches present in the body system of children have been found to harbor bacteria carrying resistant genes, especially, their gut microbiota. This study aims to identify selected antibiotic-resistant genes from the fecal samples of infants and the association of antibiotics use with the occurrence of resistant genes in the infant's gut.

Methods

A total number of 172 metagenomic DNA samples previously extracted from stool samples of 28 Nigerian babies longitudinally within their first year of life were screened for the presence of ESBL genes (blaSHV, blaTEM, and blaCTX-M), PMQR genes (qnrA, qnrB, qnrS, qepA), ribosomal protection protein tetracycline resistance gene, (RPP) β-lactamase (blaZ), macrolide (ermA, ermB, mefA/E), aminoglycoside modifying enzymes gent^R (aac(6')/aph(2″)) and dfrA genes by PCR. Nineteen (19) of the 28 babies used antibiotics during the study. The association between antibiotic use by the babies within the first year of life and occurrence of resistant genes were analyzed by Spearman rank correlation.

Results

One hundred and twenty-two (122) samples (71%) out of the 172 isolates had antibiotic-resistance genes. PMQR genes were absent in all the samples. Three isolates had blaTEM gene, nine isolates had blaSHV gene, six isolates had blaCTX-M gene and 19 isolates had dfrA gene, 31 samples had tet gene, 29 samples had mef gene, 27 samples had ermB gene, four samples had ermA gene, 13 samples had blaZ gene and 16 samples had aac gene. The babies whose samples had resistant genes used antibiotics in the same months the samples were collected. Interestingly, the 11 babies whose samples had the dfrA gene all used antibiotics in the same months their samples were collected but none of them used trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole antibiotic. The overall correlation matrix of the babies showed a strong association between antibiotic use (AU) and antibiotic use presence of resistance genes (AUPRG) with a coefficient of 0.89. Antibiotic-resistant genes are present in the gut of infants and their occurrence is strongly connected with antibiotic use by infants.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Parents and Pediatricians Regarding Antibiotic Use among Children: Differences in Relation to the Level of Education of the Parents in the Republic of Srpska Bosnia and Herzegovina

Antibiotics are often misused, especially for the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in children, where their use is unnecessary and leads to antimicrobial resistance. This study sought to explore the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of parents and pediatricians on the use of antibiotics among children and whether the level of education of parents has an impact on their KAP. The research was carried out among 1459 parents of children under 6 years of age and among 18 pediatricians. Sixty percent of pediatricians (61.1%) were prescribed antibiotics daily in their practice. Most of the surveyed parents (98.4%) state that doctors are their main source of information when deciding on the use of antibiotics in the treatment of their children. Parents with a higher level of education use television less often as a source of information when making this decision compared to parents with a lower level of education (p = 0.039, i.e., p = 0.003). The majority of parents (80.7%) knew that Panklav (amoxicillin/clavulanic acid) is an antibiotic, while 52.5% identified Pancef (cefixime) as an antibiotic. Parents with a higher level of education correctly identified antibiotics significantly more often (p < 0.001). This study shows that in the Republic of Srpska, parents have adequate knowledge about antibiotics, especially those with a higher level of education, who show better KAP when it comes to antibiotic use.

Children against antibiotics misuse and antimicrobial resistance: assessing effectiveness of storytelling and picture drawing as public engagement approaches

Background: Interventions delivered in schools have been found to be effective in improving knowledge of antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among school-aged children, particularly those in high-income countries, but the evidence is largely lacking in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to design, implement and assess storytelling in one school and picture drawing in another school as engagement approaches for improving knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about antibiotics and AMR among schoolchildren in Ghana.  Methods: Two schools with a total population of 375 schoolchildren ages 11-15 years in Tema, a city in Ghana, participated in public engagement interventions involving storytelling in one school and picture drawing in another school. The interventions included eight weeks of engagement led by science teachers and a competition held in each school. For quantitative outcome-based evaluation, schoolchildren were randomly sampled in each school (31 in the storytelling school and 32 in the picture-drawing school). Purposive sampling was also used to select 20 schoolchildren in each school for qualitative outcome-based evaluation. Respondents completed identical knowledge, attitudes and beliefs questionnaires and were interviewed at two time points (before and at most a week) after key interventions to assess changes in antibiotics and AMR knowledge, attitudes and beliefs. McNemar test was conducted to assess statistical significance between baseline and endline scores. Framework analysis was used for analysing the qualitative data. Results: Picture drawing had more significant effects (both positive and negative) on schoolchildren's AMR knowledge, attitudes and beliefs, whereas storytelling had a negative effect on children's AMR knowledge and no significant impact on beliefs and attitudes.  Conclusions: Our project's findings suggest that public engagement interventions that use picture drawing and storytelling may influence the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of schoolchildren regarding antibiotic misuse and AMR. However, modifications are required to make them much more effective.

Children against antibiotics misuse and antimicrobial resistance: assessing effectiveness of storytelling and picture drawing as public engagement approaches

Background: Interventions delivered in schools have been found to be effective in improving knowledge of antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among school-aged children, particularly those in high-income countries, but the evidence is largely lacking in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to design, implement and assess storytelling and picture drawing as engagement approaches for improving knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about antibiotics and AMR among schoolchildren in Ghana. Methods: Two schools with a total population of 375 schoolchildren ages 11-15 years in Tema, a city in Ghana, participated in public engagement interventions involving storytelling in one school and picture drawing in another school. The interventions included eight weeks of engagement led by science teachers and a competition held in each school. For quantitative outcome-based evaluation, some schoolchildren were randomly sampled in each school. Purposive sampling was also used to select some schoolchildren in each school for qualitative outcome-based evaluation. Respondents completed identical knowledge, attitudes and beliefs questionnaires and were interviewed at two time points (before and at most a week) after key interventions to assess changes in antibiotics and AMR knowledge, attitudes and beliefs. Results: Picture drawing had more significant effects (both positive and negative) on schoolchildren's AMR knowledge, attitudes and beliefs, whereas storytelling had a negative effect on children's AMR knowledge and no significant impact on beliefs and attitudes. Conclusions: Our project's findings suggest that public engagement interventions that use picture drawing and storytelling may influence the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of schoolchildren regarding antibiotic misuse and AMR. However, modifications are required to make them more effective. These include making the storytelling effective by turning it into drama or plays.

What matters when managing childhood fever in the emergency department? A discrete-choice experiment comparing the preferences of parents and healthcare professionals in the UK

BACKGROUND

Fever among children is a leading cause of emergency department (ED) attendance and a diagnostic conundrum; yet robust quantitative evidence regarding the preferences of parents and healthcare providers (HCPs) for managing fever is scarce.

OBJECTIVE

To determine parental and HCP preferences for the management of paediatric febrile illness in the ED.

SETTING

Ten children's centres and a children's ED in England from June 2018 to January 2019.

PARTICIPANTS

98 parents of children aged 0-11 years, and 99 HCPs took part.

METHODS

Nine focus-groups and coin-ranking exercises were conducted with parents, and a discrete-choice experiment (DCE) was conducted with both parents and HCPs, which asked respondents to choose their preferred option of several hypothetical management scenarios for paediatric febrile illness, with differing levels of visit time, out-of-pocket costs, antibiotic prescribing, HCP grade and pain/discomfort from investigations.

RESULTS

The mean focus-group size was 4.4 participants (range 3-7), with a mean duration of 27.4 min (range 18-46 min). Response rates to the DCE among parents and HCPs were 94.2% and 98.2%, respectively. Avoiding pain from diagnostics, receiving a faster diagnosis and minimising wait times were major concerns for both parents and HCPs, with parents willing-to-pay £16.89 for every 1 hour reduction in waiting times. Both groups preferred treatment by consultants and nurse practitioners to treatment by doctors in postgraduate training. Parents were willing to trade-off considerable increases in waiting times (24.1 min) to be seen by consultants and to avoid additional pain from diagnostics (45.6 min). Reducing antibiotic prescribing was important to HCPs but not parents.

CONCLUSIONS

Both parents and HCPs care strongly about reducing visit time, avoiding pain from invasive investigations and receiving diagnostic insights faster when managing paediatric febrile illness. As such, overdue advances in diagnostic capabilities should improve child and carer experience and HCP satisfaction considerably in managing paediatric febrile illness.

An antibiotic stewardship programme to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for acute respiratory infections in rural Chinese primary care facilities: study protocol for a clustered randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics for acute respiratory infections at the primary care level represents the major source of antibiotic misuse in healthcare, and is a major driver for antimicrobial resistance worldwide. In this study we will develop, pilot and evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive antibiotic stewardship programme in China's primary care hospitals to reduce inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics for acute respiratory infections among all ages.

METHODS

We will use a parallel-group, cluster-randomised, controlled, superiority trial with blinded outcome evaluation but unblinded treatment (providers and patients). We will randomise 34 primary care hospitals from two counties within Guangdong province into the intervention and control arm (1:1 overall ratio) stratified by county (8:9 within-county ratio). In the control arm, antibiotic prescribing and management will continue through usual care. In the intervention arm, we will implement an antibiotic stewardship programme targeting family physicians and patients/caregivers. The family physician components include: (1) training using new operational guidelines, (2) improved management and peer-review of antibiotic prescribing, (3) improved electronic medical records and smart phone app facilitation. The patient/caregiver component involves patient education via family physicians, leaflets and videos. The primary outcome is the proportion of prescriptions for acute respiratory infections (excluding pneumonia) that contain any antibiotic(s). Secondary outcomes will address how frequently specific classes of antibiotics are prescribed, how frequently key non-antibiotic alternatives are prescribed and the costs of consultations. We will conduct a qualitative process evaluation to explore operational questions regarding acceptability, cultural appropriateness and burden of technology use, as well as a cost-effectiveness analysis and a long-term benefit evaluation. The duration of the intervention will be 12 months, with another 24 months' post-trial long-term follow-up.

DISCUSSION

Our study is one of the first trials to evaluate the effect of an antibiotic stewardship programme in primary care settings in a low- or middle-income country (LMIC). All interventional activities will be designed to be embedded into routine primary care with strong local ownership. Through the trial we intend to impact on clinical practice and national policy in antibiotic prescription for primary care facilities in rural China and other LMICs.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN, ID: ISRCTN96892547. Registered on 18 August 2019.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices relating to antibiotic use among community members of the Rupandehi District in Nepal

Background

The development of antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats to global public health. Inappropriate use of antibiotics is recognised as a leading cause of antibiotic resistance. The aim of this study was to explore the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) towards antibiotic use among adults in Nepal.

Methods

A quantitative survey was conducted with 220 community members of the Rupandehi district of Nepal, with cluster sampling techniques applied to select households. Interviews were carried out face-to-face using a structured questionnaire. Responses were presented using descriptive analysis, with chi-squared tests and regression analysis applied to identify factors associated with KAP about antibiotic use and the Spearman’s rank order correlation coefficient calculated to examine the relationship between responses to the KAP questions.

Results

The sample comprised more females (54%) than males, the average age of respondents was 38.5 years and almost 60% of respondents lived in rural areas. Respondents had relatively good knowledge about aspects of antibiotic use other than identifying antibiotics. The concept of antibiotic resistance was well known but imperfectly understood. Half of respondents (50.9%) were unsure whether skipping doses would contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance, 88.2% indicated they would go to another doctor if not prescribed an antibiotic when they thought one was needed and nearly half (47.7%) believed antibiotics helped them get better more quickly if they had a fever. Most respondents reported correct practices accessing and using antibiotics, however, 84.6% at least sometimes preferred an antibiotic when they have a cough and sore throat.

Logistic regression showed respondents with higher levels of education tended to have better knowledge, more appropriate attitudes and better practices about antibiotic use. Rural respondents were less likely to have better knowledge about antibiotic use, while females were more likely to report better practices.

Conclusion

The study provides baseline evidence about the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding antibiotic use among the population of the Rupandehl district. Its findings will be useful in designing effective and targeted interventions to decrease misconceptions about antibiotic use and to increase awareness about the risks of inappropriate use of antibiotics in the community.

Effectiveness of interventions to improve the public's antimicrobial resistance awareness and behaviours associated with prudent use of antimicrobials: a systematic review

Background

A global antimicrobial resistance (AMR) awareness intervention targeting the general public has been prioritized.

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness of interventions that aim to change AMR awareness and subsequent stewardship behaviours amongst the public.

Methods

Five databases were searched between 2000 and 2016 for interventions to change the public's AMR awareness and/or antimicrobial stewardship behaviours. Study designs meeting the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organization of Care (EPOC) criteria, non-controlled before-and-after studies and prospective cohort studies were considered eligible. Participants recruited from healthcare settings and studies measuring stewardship behaviours of healthcare professionals were excluded. Quality of studies was assessed using EPOC risk of bias criteria. Data were extracted and synthesized narratively. Registration: PROSPERO international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO 2016: CRD42016050343).

Results

Twenty studies were included in the review with nine meeting the EPOC criteria. The overall risk of bias was high. Nineteen studies were conducted in high-income countries. Mass media interventions were most common (n = 7), followed by school-based (n = 6) and printed material interventions (n = 6). Seventeen studies demonstrated a significant effect on changing knowledge, attitudes or the public's antimicrobial stewardship behaviours. Analysis showed that interventions targeting schoolchildren and parents have notable potential, but for the general public the picture is less clear.

Conclusions

Our work provides an in-depth examination of the effectiveness of AMR interventions for the public. However, the studies were heterogeneous and the quality of evidence was poor. Well-designed, experimental studies on behavioural outcomes of such interventions are required.

Communication interventions to promote the public's awareness of antibiotics: a systematic review

Background

Inappropriate antibiotic use is implicated in antibiotic resistance and resultant morbidity and mortality. Overuse is particularly prevalent for outpatient respiratory infections, and perceived patient expectations likely contribute. Thus, various educational programs have been implemented to educate the public.

Methods

We systematically identified public-directed interventions to promote antibiotic awareness in the United States. PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, CINAHL, and Scopus were queried for articles published from January 1996 through January 2016. Two investigators independently assessed titles and abstracts of retrieved articles for subsequent full-text review. References of selected articles and three review articles were likewise screened for inclusion. Identified educational interventions were coded for target audience, content, distribution site, communication method, and major outcomes.

Results

Our search yielded 1,106 articles; 34 met inclusion criteria. Due to overlap in interventions studied, 29 distinct educational interventions were identified. Messages were primarily delivered in outpatient clinics (N = 24, 83%) and community sites (N = 12, 41%). The majority included clinician education. Antibiotic prescription rates were assessed for 22 interventions (76%). Patient knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs (KAB) were assessed for 10 interventions (34%). Similar rates of success between antibiotic prescription rates and patient KAB were reported (73 and 70%, respectively). Patient interventions that did not include clinician education were successful to increase KAB but were not shown to decrease antibiotic prescribing. Three interventions targeted reductions in Streptococcus pneumoniae resistance; none were successful.

Conclusions

Messaging programs varied in their designs, and many were multifaceted in their approach. These interventions can change patient perspectives regarding antibiotic use, though it is unclear if clinician education is also necessary to reduce antibiotic prescribing. Further investigations are needed to determine the relative influence of interventions focusing on patients and physicians and to determine whether these changes can influence rates of antibiotic resistance long-term.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-019-7258-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Patient expectation trends on receiving antibiotic prescriptions for respiratory tract infections: A systematic review and meta-regression analysis

BACKGROUND

Despite a variety of programs developed to control inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for viral infections, antibiotics are still prescribed excessively for Respiratory Tract Infections (RTI). The patient's expectation to receive an antibiotic often influences the clinician's decision and can lead to inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions. Our objective was to investigate the changes in patient expectations over time when presenting with symptoms of a respiratory infection.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review of patient's expectation to receive antibiotics for RTIs. Two reviewers independently evaluated the collected studies based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Our search initially identified 12 070 studies, of which 321 studies were eligible for full text review and 37 articles were selected for final evaluation. Meta-regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between patient expectations and different years. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the Q statistic.

RESULTS

Patient expectations (effect size) were pooled using a random effects model. The effect-equality test showed heterogeneity among studies (Q = 3304.23, df = 40, P < 0.0001, k = 40, τ²  = 0.63). Meta-regression results revealed that there is a significant linear negative relationship (B = -1.8374, P < 0.05) between patient expectation and year of data collection, at the global level. A similar finding is observed for the subset of studies conducted outside United States (U.S.) (B = -1.2411, P < 0.1). However, there is no discernible trend for patient expectation in the U.S. or among children and adult subgroups. Also, no significant differences are observed between the patient expectations when considering different age groups.

CONCLUSION

The trend of patient expectation for receiving antibiotics for RTIs is declining over time on a global level and also outside the U.S.

Reducing Primary Care Attendance Intentions for Pediatric Respiratory Tract Infections

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate a theory and evidence-based, parent-targeted online intervention, combining microbiological local syndromic surveillance data, symptom information, and home-care advice, to reduce primary care attendance for self-limiting, low-risk pediatric respiratory tract infections (RTIs).

METHODS

The effect of this novel intervention on primary care attendance intentions was evaluated in an online experimental study. A representative sample of mothers (n = 806) was randomly assigned to receive the intervention material before (intervention) or after (control) answering questions concerning attendance intentions for an RTI illness scenario and mediating factors. Both groups provided feedback on the material. Group comparisons, linear regression, and path analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

Intervention participants reported lower attendance intentions compared with control participants (d = 0.69, 95% CI, 0.55-0.83), an effect that remained when controlling for demographic and clinical characteristics (B = -1.62, 95% CI, -1.97 to -1.30). The path model highlighted that the intervention effect (B = -0.33, 95% CI, -0.40 to -0.26) was mostly indirect and mediated by infection and antibiotic knowledge, symptom severity concerns, and social norm perceptions concerning attendance. Information on when to attend was rated as the most important intervention component 227 times, followed by symptoms rated 186 times. Information on circulating viruses was rated as least important 274 times.

CONCLUSIONS

The intervention was effective in reducing primary care attendance intentions by increasing knowledge, lowering attendance motivation, and reducing the need for additional resources. The contribution of individual intervention components and effects on behavioral outcomes requires further testing.

What Parents Think About the Risks and Benefits of Antibiotics for Their Child's Acute Respiratory Tract Infection

BACKGROUND

Parental pressure is often cited as a reason for why pediatricians overuse antibiotics for children with acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI). We sought to capture parent perceptions of antibiotics at the time of their child's presentation with an ARTI.

METHODS

We conducted semistructured interviews with parents of children who presented with ARTI symptoms to 1 of 4 diverse practices in a large hospital-affiliated network of pediatric primary care practices. Parents were interviewed before their child was seen by the pediatrician and asked about their perceptions of antibiotics.

RESULTS

Interviews were conducted with 109 parents. None of the parents said they planned to ask the pediatrician for antibiotics but instead expected to gain reassurance and a plan to minimize symptoms. Three perceptions about antibiotics were identified: parents have a sense of wariness when their child is prescribed antibiotics, they have an understanding that antibiotic overuse is a problem but that it is driven by the demands of other parents, and they have a preference for alternative treatment. The majority of the parents were not concerned about antibiotic resistance. In response to closed-ended questions designed to assess their level of concern with adverse effects, parents were most concerned with their child developing an upset stomach, having an allergic reaction, and experiencing diarrhea. The parents were not concerned with antibiotic treatment failure.

CONCLUSIONS

Parents in our study expressed a sense of caution about antibiotics and an awareness that they should be used judiciously. Our findings indicate that parents are aware of the downsides of antibiotics and might be willing to partner with healthcare providers to improve appropriate use.

Evaluation of antibiotic prescriptions and use in under-five children in Ibadan, SouthWestern Nigeria

Background

Irrational antibiotic prescriptions for children is a global concern requiring periodic evaluation and monitoring.

Objectives

To assess appropriateness of antibiotic prescribing for under-five children, as well as evaluating mothers' usage of antibiotics for their under-five and reason(s) for use.

Method

Cross-sectional review of out-patient case-notes of under-five using principles of antibiotic prescribing and a questionnaire-guided interaction with under-five mothers.

Results

Nearly all (445;98.9%) antibiotic prescriptions were based on signs and symptoms indicative of bacterial infection. Only 3(0.7%) had the initial antibiotic regimen modified. Nine (2.0%) had documented evidence of sensitivity test requested before antibiotic prescribing. Presence of infection or need for antibiotic therapy was established in 190(42.2%). Majority (324;72.0%) of mothers had administered antibiotics to their under-five. Of these, 157(48.5%) were prescribed by physicians and 79(24.4%) were self-recommended. Educational status of mothers significantly influenced antibiotic usage.

Conclusion

Antibiotic prescriptions for under-fives was largely based on symptoms indicative of bacterial infections, thereby corroborating the widespread empirical antibiotic prescribing. Considerable number of mothers engaged in self-recommendation of antibiotics for their under-fives. Thus, there is a need for continuous enlightenment of prescribers and mothers on rational use of antibiotics, while microbiological confirmation of clinical diagnosis is encouraged for evidence-based antibiotic prescribing.

A visual affective analysis of mass media interventions to increase antimicrobial stewardship amongst the public

Objectives

In an innovative approach to improve the contribution of health psychology to public health we have analysed the presence and nature of affect within the visual materials deployed in antimicrobial stewardship interventions targeting the public identified through systematic review.

Design

A qualitative analysis focused on the affective content of visual materials garnered from a systematic review of antibiotic stewardship (k = 20).

Methods

A novel method was devised drawing on concepts from semiotics to analyse the affective elements within intervention materials.

Results

Whilst all studies examined tacitly rely on affect, only one sought to explicitly deploy affect. Three thematic categories of affect are identified within the materials in which specific ideological machinery is deployed: (1) monsters, bugs, and superheroes; (2) responsibility, threat, and the misuse/abuse of antibiotics; (3) the figure of the child.

Conclusions

The study demonstrates how affect is a present but tacit communication strategy of antimicrobial stewardship interventions but has not – to date – been adequately theorized or explicitly considered in the intervention design process. Certain affective features were explored in relation to the effectiveness of antimicrobial resistance interventions and warrant further investigation. We argue that further research is needed to systematically illuminate and capitalize upon the use of affect to effect behaviour change concerning antimicrobial stewardship.

A School-Based Educational Intervention for School-Aged Children and Caregivers about Rational Use of Antibiotics in Urban Areas of Shaanxi Province: A Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Research

(1) Background: Antibiotic resistance is an imperative public health issue globally. Major factors that are resulting in this trend are the irrational and excessive use of antibiotics. Children account for a greater population of antibiotics use, therefore, an educational intervention on the rational use of antibiotics for children and caregivers will be beneficial. (2) Methods: A randomized controlled and parallel group study of fifth grade children and their caregivers will be evaluated in four primary schools in Baoji and Weinan of the Shaanxi Province. Two primary schools will be randomly selected for the educational intervention and two schools will serve as a control group. In the intervention arm, educational interventions will be conducted among caregivers and their children. The intervention measures include interactive training sessions, booklets, and printed or electronic educational materials that will be given to the caregivers or the school-aged children. In the control arm, no interventions will be implemented. Baseline data collected from June, 2018 and the intervention will last for three months. Knowledge-Attitude-Practice (KAP) questionnaires will be used to evaluate the caregivers’ knowledge, their attitude, and their practice. Knowledge-Retention questionnaires will be used to assess the children’s knowledge about microbes, antibiotics, and hygiene. (3) Discussion: This study is a unique comprehensive intervention targeting both children and their caregivers. We hypothesize a decrease in the irrational use of antibiotics among the studied population. Hence, this result would provide evidence for policy makers and educational departments for the implementation of similar interventions on the rational use of antibiotics.

What are the 'active ingredients' of interventions targeting the public's engagement with antimicrobial resistance and how might they work?

Objectives

Changing public awareness of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a global public health priority. A systematic review of interventions that targeted public AMR awareness and associated behaviour was previously conducted. Here, we focus on identifying the active content of these interventions and explore potential mechanisms of action.

Methods

The project took a novel approach to intervention mapping utilizing the following steps: (1) an exploration of explicit and tacit theory and theoretical constructs within the interventions using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDFv2), (2) retrospective coding of behaviour change techniques (BCTs) using the BCT Taxonomy v1, and (3) an investigation of coherent links between the TDF domains and BCTs across the interventions.

Results

Of 20 studies included, only four reported an explicit theoretical basis to their intervention. However, TDF analysis revealed that nine of the 14 TDF domains were utilized, most commonly ‘Knowledge’ and ‘Environmental context and resources’. The BCT analysis showed that all interventions contained at least one BCT, and 14 of 93 (15%) BCTs were coded, most commonly ‘Information about health consequences’, ‘Credible source’, and ‘Instruction on how to perform the behaviour’.

Conclusions

We identified nine relevant TDF domains and 14 BCTs used in these interventions. Only 15% of BCTs have been applied in AMR interventions thus providing a clear opportunity for the development of novel interventions in this context. This methodological approach provides a useful way of retrospectively mapping theoretical constructs and BCTs when reviewing studies that provide limited information on theory and intervention content.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Evidence of the effectiveness of interventions that target the public to engage them with AMR is mixed; the public continue to show poor knowledge and misperceptions of AMR.

Little is known about the common, active ingredients of AMR interventions targeting the public and information on explicit theoretical content is sparse.

Information on the components of AMR public health interventions is urgently needed to enable the design of effective interventions to engage the public with AMR stewardship behaviour.

What does this study add?

The analysis shows very few studies reported any explicit theoretical basis to the interventions they described.

Many interventions share common components, including core mechanisms of action and behaviour change techniques.

The analysis suggests components of future interventions to engage the public with AMR.

Ambulatory Antibiotic Stewardship through a Human Factors Engineering Approach: A Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION

In the United States, most antibiotics are prescribed in ambulatory settings. Human factors engineering, which explores interactions between people and the place where they work, has successfully improved quality of care. However, human factors engineering models have not been explored to frame what is known about ambulatory antibiotic stewardship (AS) interventions and barriers and facilitators to their implementation.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review and searched OVID MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL to identify controlled interventions and qualitative studies of ambulatory AS and determine whether and how they incorporated principles from a human factors engineering model, the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety 2.0 model. This model describes how a work system (ambulatory clinic) contributes to a process (antibiotic prescribing) that leads to outcomes. The work system consists of 5 components, tools and technology, organization, person, tasks, and environment, within an external environment.

RESULTS

Of 1,288 abstracts initially identified, 42 quantitative studies and 17 qualitative studies met inclusion criteria. Effective interventions focused on tools and technology (eg, clinical decision support and point-of-care testing), the person (eg, clinician education), organization (eg, audit and feedback and academic detailing), tasks (eg, delayed antibiotic prescribing), the environment (eg, commitment posters), and the external environment (media campaigns). Studies have not focused on clinic-wide approaches to AS.

CONCLUSIONS

A human factors engineering approach suggests that investigating the role of the clinic's processes or physical layout or external pressures' role in antibiotic prescribing may be a promising way to improve ambulatory AS.

Knowledge and attitudes towards the use of antibiotics in the paediatric age group: a multicenter survey in Italy

Background

: The misuse of antibiotics is one of the leading causes of antibiotic resistance. Paediatric patients are highly involved in this issue, as they are those who receive the largest amount of prescriptions of these drugs. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the general knowledge regarding the use of antibiotics, as well as the attitudes related to the administration of these drugs to children, amongst parents of children in the paediatric age-group. : In 2014, a multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted amongst parents of children aged 0-14. A questionnaire made up of 33 items was administered in waiting rooms of outpatient departments. Multivariable logistic regression models were performed, in order to assess the potential predictors of a better knowledge about antibiotics. : A total of 1247 parents took part to the survey. Around 33% of the samples declared that antibiotics are useful for viral infections, 20.6% that antibiotics are useful for every kind of pain and inflammation, while 14% of the parents stated that they stop giving antibiotics to their children when they start feeling better. Multivariable models showed that males, unemployed and those with lower levels of education are less prone to answer correctly to the questions about antibiotics. : The present study demonstrates that parents have a lack of knowledge regarding the use of antibiotics, which results in bad habits and inappropriate attitudes when it comes to giving antibiotics to their children. Attention should be particularly focused on disadvantaged parents.

Medicine use practices in management of symptoms of acute upper respiratory tract infections in children (≤12 years) in Kampala city, Uganda

BACKGROUND

Medicines are commonly accessed and used for management of illness in children without a prescription. This potentially increases the risk of unwanted treatment outcomes. We investigated medicine use practices in management of symptoms of acute upper respiratory tract infections among children (≤12 years) in households in Nakawa division, Kampala city.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 390 randomly selected children. Data on use of medicines in children (≤12 years) during recent episode of acute upper respiratory tract infection was collected from their care takers using an interviewer administered questionnaire. A recall period of two weeks (14 days) was used in during data collection.

RESULTS

The prevalence of giving children non-prescription antimicrobial medicines was 44.8% (38.3-52.2). The most common disease symptoms that the children reportedly had included flu, 84.9% (331/390), cough, 83.1% (324/390), and undefined fever, 69.7% (272/390). Medicines commonly given to children included, paracetamol 53.1% (207/390), Coartem 29.7% (116/390), cough linctus 20.8% (81/390), amoxicillin 18.9% (74/390), Co-trimoxazole 18.5% (72/390), and diphenhydramine 15.4% (60/390). The major sources of medicines given to the children was hospital/clinic, 57.26% (223/390). Most of the children, 81% were given more than one medicine at a time. The majority, 62.3% (243/390) of the care takers who gave the children medicine during the recent illness were not aware of any medicine (s) that should not be given to children. The predictors of non-prescription use of antimicrobial medicines in managing symptoms of acute upper respiratory tract infections in children included, medicines obtained from drug shop (PR: 1.45, CI: 1.14-1.85), medicines at home (PR: 1.8, CI: 0.83-1.198) and type of medicine (antimalarial) (PR: 2.8, CI: 1.17-6.68).

CONCLUSION

Children are commonly given multiple medicines during episodes of acute upper respiratory tract infections with most antimicrobial agents accessed and used without a prescription in Kampala city, Uganda.

Parents' confidence in recommended childhood vaccinations: Extending the assessment, expanding the context

There has been significant and growing interest in vaccine hesitancy and confidence in the United States as well as across the globe. While studies have used confidence measures, few studies have provided in-depth assessments and no studies have assessed parents' confidence in vaccines in relationship to other frequently recommended health-related products for young children. This study used a nationally representative sample of 1000 US parents to identify confidence levels for recommended vaccinations, antibiotics, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, and vitamins for children. The analyses examined associations between confidence ratings, vaccination behaviors and intentions, and trust in healthcare provider, along with associations between confidence ratings and use of the other health-related products. Parents' confidence in vaccines was relatively high and high relative to antibiotics, OTC medicines and vitamins. For all 4 health-related products examined, past product experience and knowledge of bad or adverse outcomes negatively impacted parents' confidence levels. Confidence levels were associated with both trust in advice from their child's healthcare provider and acceptance of healthcare provider recommendations. Parents in some groups, such as those with lower income and education levels, were more likely to have less confidence not just in vaccines, but also in antibiotics and OTC medicines for children. Overall, the findings extend understanding of vaccine confidence, including by placing it into a broader context.

Identification of Parents' Perceptions of Antibiotic Use for Individualized Community Education

The purpose of this project was to evaluate parents' perceptions of antibiotics to better understand the barriers related to judicious antibiotic use and for selection of educational resources. A descriptive survey design was distributed electronically to a convenience sample of parents in Omaha, Nebraska, using the Parental Perception on Antibiotics scale. A total of 170 completed surveys were evaluated. Nearly all parents (97%) disagreed with the statement "antibiotics are needed for the common cold," and 90% were in agreement that antibiotics treat bacterial infections. Respondents did not expect an antibiotic after being seen for the common cold. All reported they "never" changed doctors when antibiotics were not prescribed. The parents completing this survey were knowledgeable about antibiotic use. Results demonstrate implications for both education efforts and patient-provider interactions. This project supports the need for community-specific identification of parents' perceptions for individualized education and promotion of proper antibiotic use.

Interventions to reduce childhood antibiotic prescribing for upper respiratory infections: systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Antibiotics are overprescribed for children with upper respiratory infections (URIs), leading to unnecessary expenditures, adverse events and antibiotic resistance. This study assesses whether interventions antibiotic prescription rates (APR) for childhood URIs can be reduced and what factors impact intervention effectiveness.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Global Health, WHO website, United States CDC website and The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched by December 2015. Cluster or individual-patient randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs that examined interventions to change APR for children with URIs were selected for meta-analysis. Educational interventions for clinicians and/or parents were compared with usual care.

RESULTS

Of 6074 studies identified, 13 were included. All were conducted in high-income countries. Interventions were associated with lower APR versus usual care (OR 0.63 (95% CI 0.50 to 0.81, p<0.001). A patient-clinician communication approach was the most effective type of intervention, with a pooled OR 0.41 (95% CI 0.20 to 0.83; p<0.001) for clinicians and 0.26 (95% CI 0.08 to 0.91; p=0.04) for parents. Interventions that targeted clinicians and parents were significant, with a pooled OR of 0.52 (95% CI 0.35 to 0.78; p=0.002). Insignificant effects were observed for targeting clinicians and parents alone, with a pooled OR of 0.88 (95% CI 0.67 to 1.16; p=0.37) and 0.50 (95% CI 0.10 to 2.51, p=0.40), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Educational interventions are effective in reducing antibiotic prescribing for childhood URIs. Interventions targeting clinicians and parents are more effective than those for either group alone. The most effective interventions address patient-clinician communication. Studies in low-income to middle-income countries are needed.

Protocol for a pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial for reducing irrational antibiotic prescribing among children with upper respiratory infections in rural China

INTRODUCTION

Irrational use of antibiotics is a serious issue within China and internationally. In 2012, the Chinese Ministry of Health issued a regulation for antibiotic prescriptions limiting them to <20% of all prescriptions for outpatients, but no operational details have been issued regarding policy implementation. This study aims to test the effectiveness of a multidimensional intervention designed to reduce the use of antibiotics among children (aged 2-14 years old) with acute upper respiratory infections in rural primary care settings in China, through changing doctors' prescribing behaviours and educating parents/caregivers.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This is a pragmatic, parallel-group, controlled, cluster-randomised superiority trial, with blinded evaluation of outcomes and data analysis, and un-blinded treatment. From two counties in Guangxi Province, 12 township hospitals will be randomised to the intervention arm and 13 to the control arm. In the control arm, the management of antibiotics prescriptions will continue through usual care via clinical consultations. In the intervention arm, a provider and patient/caregiver focused intervention will be embedded within routine primary care practice. The provider intervention includes operational guidelines, systematic training, peer review of antibiotic prescribing and provision of health education to patient caregivers. We will also provide printed educational materials and educational videos to patients' caregivers. The primary outcome is the proportion of all prescriptions issued by providers for upper respiratory infections in children aged 2-14 years old, which include at least one antibiotic.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The trial has received ethical approval from the Ethics Committee of Guangxi Provincial Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, China. The results will be disseminated through workshops, policy briefs, peer-reviewed publications, local and international conferences.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ISRCTN14340536; Pre-results.

Evaluation of the general public's knowledge, views and practices relating to appropriate antibiotic use in Qatar

OBJECTIVE

Studies completed internationally have demonstrated an alarming number of patients believed antibiotics are indicated in the treatment of viral infections and other self-limited illnesses. Evaluation of patient practices relating to antibiotics have also demonstrated inappropriate use. Antibiotic misuse by patients and practitioners has been identified as a factor in the development of resistance. Current knowledge, views and practices relating to antibiotic use in Qatar is unknown. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the general population's current antimicrobial knowledge, views and practices in Qatar.

METHODS

This study was designed as a self-administered cross-sectional survey. Eligible participants were residents of Qatar who were over the age of 18 and spoke English or Arabic. The questionnaire was developed based on previously published literature and objectives of this study. Data were collected at community pharmacies in Doha, Qatar.

KEY FINDINGS

The majority of participants (95.8%) had taken antibiotics in the past. The median knowledge score of the study population was 4/8. Misconceptions relating to use of antibiotics for treatment of viral infections were common. Inappropriate use as evident by hoarding of antibiotics for future use and sharing antibiotics with family or friends was also identified in this study population.

CONCLUSION

Community pharmacists in Qatar have an opportunity to improve knowledge of the general population regarding appropriate indications of antibiotics and risk of resistance with inappropriate use.

Prevalence of Parental Misconceptions About Antibiotic Use

BACKGROUND

Differences in antibiotic knowledge and attitudes between parents of Medicaid-insured and commercially insured children have been previously reported. It is unknown whether understanding has improved and whether previously identified differences persist.

METHODS

A total of 1500 Massachusetts parents with a child <6 years old insured by a Medicaid managed care or commercial health plan were surveyed in spring 2013. We examined antibiotic-related knowledge and attitudes by using χ(2) tests. Multivariable modeling was used to assess current sociodemographic predictors of knowledge and evaluate changes in predictors from a similar survey in 2000.

RESULTS

Medicaid-insured parents in 2013 (n = 345) were younger, were less likely to be white, and had less education than those commercially insured (n = 353), P < .01. Fewer Medicaid-insured parents answered questions correctly except for one related to bronchitis, for which there was no difference (15% Medicaid vs 16% commercial, P < .66). More parents understood that green nasal discharge did not require antibiotics in 2013 compared with 2000, but this increase was smaller among Medicaid-insured (32% vs 22% P = .02) than commercially insured (49% vs 23%, P < .01) parents. Medicaid-insured parents were more likely to request unnecessary antibiotics in 2013 (P < .01). Multivariable models for predictors of knowledge or attitudes demonstrated complex relationships between insurance status and sociodemographic variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Misconceptions about antibiotic use persist and continue to be more prevalent among parents of Medicaid-insured children. Improvement in understanding has been more pronounced in more advantaged populations. Tailored efforts for socioeconomically disadvantaged populations remain warranted to decrease parental drivers of unnecessary antibiotic prescribing.

[Does the prescribing of antibiotics in paediatrics improve after a multidisciplinary intervention?]

Antibiotics overuse is linked to elevated antimicrobial resistance. In Aragon, Spain, the highest antibiotic prescription rates occur among children from 1 to 4 years old. The rate of use in this age group is over 60%.

AIM

To evaluate the effect of multi-faceted intervention on Primary Care paediatricians to reduce antibiotic use and to improve antibiotic prescribing for paediatric outpatients.

METHODS

Outpatient antimicrobial prescribing was analysed before and after an intervention in paediatricians. The intervention included a clinical education session about diagnosis and treatment in the most prevalent paediatric infectious diseases, a clinical interview and communication skills, a workshop on rapid Streptococcus antigen detection test and patient information leaflets and useful internet websites for parents. The control group included paediatricians without this educational intervention on antibiotics.

RESULTS

Antibiotic prescribing decreased from 19.17 defined daily doses per 1000 inhabitants/day (DID) to 14.36 DID among intervention paediatricians vs 19.84 DID to 16.02 DID in controls. The decreasing was higher in the intervention group, but the effect was not statistically significant. Macrolides and broad-spectrum penicillins prescribing decreased in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Antibiotic prescribing decreased, but there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups. The high satisfaction of paediatricians in the intervention group makes it necessary to continue with these kinds of strategies to improve antibiotic use in outpatients.

Effect of a URI-related educational intervention in early head start on ED visits

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention to decrease pediatric emergency department (PED) visits and adverse care practices for upper respiratory infections (URI) among predominantly Latino Early Head Start (EHS) families.

METHODS

Four EHS sites in New York City were randomized. Families at intervention sites received 3 1.5-hour education modules in their EHS parent-child group focusing on URIs, over-the-counter medications, and medication management. Standard curriculum families received the standard EHS curriculum, which did not include URI education. During weekly telephone calls for 5 months, families reported URI in family members, care sought, and medications given. Pre- and post-intervention knowledge-attitude surveys were also conducted. Outcomes were compared between groups.

RESULTS

There were 154 families who participated (76 intervention, 78 standard curriculum) including 197 children <4 years old. Families were primarily Latino and Spanish-speaking. Intervention families were significantly less likely to visit the PED when their young child (age 6 to <48 months) was ill (8.2% vs 15.7%; P = .025). The difference remained significant on the family level (P = .03). These families were also less likely to use an inappropriate over-the-counter medication for their <2-year-old child (odds ratio, 0.29; 95% confidence interval, 0.09-0.95; 12.2% vs 32.4%, P = .034) and/or incorrect dosing tool for their <4-year-old child (odds ratio, 0.24; 95% confidence interval, 0.08-0.74; 9.8% vs 31.1%; P < .01). The mean difference in Knowledge-Attitude scores for intervention families was higher.

CONCLUSIONS

A URI health literacy-related educational intervention embedded into EHS decreased PED visits and adverse care practices.

Assessing the construct validity and reliability of the Parental Perception on Antibiotics (PAPA) scales

BACKGROUND

The overuse of antibiotics is becoming an increasing concern. Antibiotic resistance, which increases both the burden of disease, and the cost of health services, is perhaps the most profound impact of antibiotics overuse. Attempts have been made to develop instruments to measure the psychosocial constructs underlying antibiotics use, however, none of these instruments have undergone thorough psychometric validation. This study evaluates the psychometric properties of the Parental Perceptions on Antibiotics (PAPA) scales. The PAPA scales attempt to measure the factors influencing parental use of antibiotics in children.

METHODS

1111 parents of children younger than 12 years old were recruited from primary schools' parental meetings in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia from September 2012 to January 2013. The structure of the PAPA instrument was validated using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) with measurement model fit evaluated using the raw and scaled χ2, Goodness of Fit Index, and Root Mean Square Error of Approximation.

RESULTS

A five-factor model was confirmed with the model showing good fit. Constructs in the model include: Knowledge and Beliefs, Behaviors, Sources of information, Adherence, and Awareness about antibiotics resistance. The instrument was shown to have good internal consistency, and good discriminant and convergent validity.

CONCLUSION

The availability of an instrument able to measure the psychosocial factors underlying antibiotics usage allows the risk factors underlying antibiotic use and overuse to now be investigated.

Determination of antibiotics consumption in buali-sina pediatric hospital, sari 2010-2011

The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a major health-care problem worldwide. WHO recommends DID (daily defined dose per 100 Inhabitant per day) as a standard tool for measurement of antibiotic consumption. Since there was not any information regarding the antibiotics usage pattern in the north of Iran, the aim of this study was determine this in our centre. This cross-sectional study was performed in Buali Sina hospital. Using the health information system (HIS) database, records of patients hospitalized during 22 Sep 2010 - 21 Sep 2011. Data of different wards including Neonatal, NICU, PICU, Pediatrics and Pediatric surgery were separately extracted and analyzed. Drug consumption data were expressed as DID. SPSS 16 software was used for statistical analysis. Independent samples t-test was used to compare the quantitative variables. A total of 4619 in-patients records during 1 year of study including 2494 patients in fall and winter and 2125 patients in spring and summer were evaluated. The most hospitalized patients were in Pediatric ward (43.9 %). The highest DID value were obtained for ceftriaxone (21.7), ampicillin (6.05) and vancomycin (4.7), while the lowest value was for gentamicin (0.01). In both cold and warm seasons, Ceftriaxone was the most frequent prescribed antibiotic. The rate of antibiotics consumption especially Ceftriaxone in our setting was significantly higher than the other centers. Strategies for more justified administration of antibiotics especially broad -spectrum ones are necessary.

Assessing the overuse of antibiotics in children in Saudi Arabia: validation of the Parental Perception on Antibiotics Scale (PAPA scale)

BACKGROUND

Antibiotics overuse is a global public health issue influenced by several factors, of which some are parent-related psychosocial factors that can only be measured using valid and reliable psychosocial measurement instruments. The PAPA scale was developed to measure these factors and the content validity of this instrument was assessed.

AIM

This study further validated the recently developed instrument in terms of (1) face validity and (2) construct validity including: deciding the number and nature of factors, and item selection.

METHODS

Questionnaires were self-administered to parents of children between the ages of 0 and 12 years old. Parents were conveniently recruited from schools' parental meetings in the Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. Face validity was assessed with regards to questionnaire clarity and unambiguity. Construct validity and item selection processes were conducted using Exploratory factor analysis.

RESULTS

Parallel analysis and Exploratory factor analysis using principal axis factoring produced six factors in the developed instrument: knowledge and beliefs, behaviours, sources of information, adherence, awareness about antibiotics resistance, and parents' perception regarding doctors' prescribing behaviours. Reliability was assessed (Cronbach's alpha = 0.78) which demonstrates the instrument as being reliable.

CONCLUSION

The 'factors' produced in this study coincide with the constructs contextually identified in the development phase of other instruments used to study antibiotic use. However, no other study considering perceptions of antibiotic use had gone beyond content validation of such instruments. This study is the first to constructively validate the factors underlying perceptions regarding antibiotic use in any population and in parents in particular.

Antibiotic use: do parents act differently for their children?

BACKGROUND

Many children in the community take antibiotics inappropriately. Previous studies comparing parents with other adults suggest that parents are more judicious with antibiotics for their children. This study aims to explore the difference between parents' use of antibiotics for themselves and for their children.

METHODS

The study adopted a combined qualitative and quantitative approach. Eight focus groups were conducted with 56 participants purposively recruited from community centres and of different socio-economic strata. The qualitative data collected were used to construct a questionnaire for the telephone survey, which recruited 2471 adults randomly selected from the local household directory, of whom 547 had ever brought their children or grand children for medical consultation.

RESULTS

Both the qualitative and quantitative approaches showed that parents were more cautious with antibiotics for children than for themselves. The main reason was their concern of side effects. Fever was the most important drive for their desire of antibiotics for children. The misconception of antibiotics' effectiveness for sore throat was another determinant of the desire. These attitudes and behaviour were not affected by the respondents' sex, age, education or household income.

CONCLUSION

On the whole, parents did to their children what they would do for themselves, but to a lesser extent. Parents' better knowledge and attitudes will lead to more appropriate use of antibiotics for their children.

Trends in antibiotic use in Massachusetts children, 2000-2009

OBJECTIVE

Antibiotic use rates have declined dramatically since the 1990s. We aimed to determine if, when, and at what level the decline in antibiotic-dispensing rates ended and which diagnoses contributed to the trends.

METHODS

Antibiotic dispensings and diagnoses were obtained from 2 health insurers for 3- to <72-month-olds in 16 Massachusetts communities from 2000 to 2009. Population-based antibiotic-dispensing rates per person-year (p-y) were determined according to year (September-August) for 3 age groups. Fit statistics were used to identify the most likely year for a change in trend. Rates for the first and last years were compared according to antibiotic category and associated diagnosis.

RESULTS

From 2000-2001 to 2008-2009, the antibiotic-dispensing rate for 3- to <24-month-olds decreased 24% (2.3-1.8 antibiotic dispensings per p-y); for 24- to <48-month-olds, it decreased 18% (1.6-1.3 antibiotic dispensings per p-y); and for 48- to <72-month-olds, it decreased 20% (1.4-1.1 antibiotic dispensings per p-y). For 3- to <48-month-olds, rates declined until 2004-2005 and remained stable thereafter; the downward trend for 48- to <72-month-olds ended earlier in 2001-2002. Among 3- to <24-month-olds, first-line penicillin use declined 26%. For otitis media, the dispensing rate decreased 14% and the diagnosis rate declined 9%, whereas the treatment fraction was stable at 63%.

CONCLUSIONS

The downward trend in antibiotic dispensings to young children in these communities ended by 2004-2005. This trend was driven by a declining otitis media diagnosis rate. Continued monitoring of population-based dispensing rates will support efforts to avoid returning to previous levels of antibiotic overuse.

Information sources used by parents to learn about medications they are giving their children

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have indicated the use of medication by children to be dependent on the attitudes of knowledge of their parents; however, little is known about sources parents might use in driving medication use decisions.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to describe the information sources that parents use regarding their children's medication and their perceptions of the reliability of these information sources.

METHODS

This study is part of a cross-sectional population survey with a random sample of 6000 children younger than 12 years. The response rate of the questionnaire was 67%. Parents were asked about the use of information sources and their perception of reliability with a list of 16 information sources.

RESULTS

The information sources that parents reported having used were physicians (72%), patient information leaflets (PILs) (67%), public or school health nurses (52%), and pharmacists (44%). Regardless of the child's age, physicians were the parents' most-used information source. Physicians were the most-used information source also when the child had at least 1 of the 4 most common long-term diseases among children in Finland (asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis). Parents considered physicians (50%), PILs (31%), pharmacists (27%), nurses (20%), and public or school health nurses (17%) very reliable information sources.

CONCLUSIONS

Finnish parents seek information from health care professionals and PILs when looking for information concerning their children's medication. Furthermore, they find health care professionals and PILs to be reliable information sources.

A challenge to appropriate antibiotic use in children with respiratory infections: a 5-year single-institution experience

BACKGROUND

We have studied the rate of emergence of antibiotic-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) and Haemophilus influenzae (H. influenzae) and the subsequent antibiotic use in host patients of those isolates at the Department of Pediatrics, Soma General Hospital, Fukushima. Moreover, we carried out several studies investigating the risks and benefits of antibiotic-free treatment for children with respiratory infections. In this report, we summarize our research and suggest better treatment options for pediatric patients with respiratory infections.

METHODS

We investigated the necessity of antibiotic use in the treatment of pediatric inpatients with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, and tested our hypothesis that antibiotic-free treatment for common cold will reduce the number of resistant S. pneumoniae strains in the pediatric nasopharynx. Therefore, we restricted prescribing antibiotics for pediatric patients with respiratory infections. The rates of resistant S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae and the medication history of the host patients before and after the intervention were compared.

RESULTS

We found that most of the RSV-infected patients recovered without antibiotic treatment, and that the antibiotic-free treatment inhibited the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains. The rate of penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae decreased but the rate of ampicillin-resistant H. influenzae did not change significantly during the study.

CONCLUSION

We concluded that patients with respiratory infections can be treated without antibiotics, under careful examination and observation. Continued monitoring of such new interventions as well as recommending their use to other caregivers and physicians will help inhibit the spread of resistant strains.

Reduction in antibiotic use following a cluster randomized controlled multifaceted intervention: the Israeli judicious antibiotic prescription study

BACKGROUND

Antibiotic overuse is of great public health concern. This study assessed whether intervention among physicians and their treated population could achieve a sustained reduction in antibiotic use, specifically in classes known to promote antibiotic resistance among children in a community setting.

METHODS

We performed a cluster randomized controlled multifaceted trial among 52 primary care pediatricians and the 88,000 children registered in their practices. The intervention was led by local leaders and engaged the participating physicians. It included physician focus group meetings, workshops, seminars, and practice campaigns. These activities focused on self-developed guidelines, improving parent and physician knowledge, diagnostic skills, and parent-physician communication skills that promoted awareness of antibiotic resistance. The main outcome measure was the change in annual antibiotic prescription rates (APRs) of children treated by the intervention group physicians as compared with rates among those treated by control group physicians. The study comprised a 2-year pre-intervention period, a 3-year intervention period, and a 1-year follow-up period. Mixed-effect models were used to assess risk ratios to account for the clustered study design.

RESULTS

A decrease in the total APR among children treated by the intervention physicians compared with those treated by the control physicians was observed in the first intervention year (APR decrease among control physicians, 40%; APR decrease among intervention physicians, 22%; relative risk [RR], .76; 95% confidence interval [CI], .75-.78). This reduction crossed over all antibiotic classes but was most prominent for macrolides (macrolide prescription rate among control physicians, 58%; macrolide prescription rate among intervention physicians, 27%; RR, .58; 95% CI, .55-.62). The effect was sustained during the 4 following years. CONCLUSIONS. Multifaceted intervention that engages the physicians in an educational process is effective in reducing APRs and can be sustained.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION

NCT01187758.

Poor adherence to antibiotic prescribing guidelines in acute otitis media--obstacles, implications, and possible solutions

Many countries now have guidelines on the clinical management of acute otitis media. In almost all, the public health goal of containing acquired resistance in bacteria through reduced antibiotic prescribing is the main aim and basis for recommendations. Despite some partial short-term successes, clinical activity databases and opinion surveys suggest that such restrictive guidelines are not followed closely, so this aim is not achieved. Radical new solutions are needed to tackle irrationalities in healthcare systems which set the short-term physician-patient relationship against long-term public health. Resolving this opposition will require comprehensive policy appraisal and co-ordinated actions at many levels, not just dissemination of evidence and promotion of guidelines. The inappropriate clinical rationales that underpin non-compliance with guidelines can be questioned by evidence, but also need specific developments promoting alternative solutions, within a framework of whole-system thinking. Promising developments would be (a) physician training modules on age-appropriate analgesia and on detection plus referral of rare complications like mastoiditis, and (b) vaccination against the most common and serious bacterial pathogens.

Improving care of upper respiratory infections among Latino Early Head Start parents

Misconceptions about upper respiratory infections (URI) and their treatment are widely held, especially among Latino parents, and are associated with increased health care visits. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends community based interventions to educate families about URI. We designed a community-based, culturally competent health literacy intervention regarding URI, which was pilot tested with Latino Early Head Start (EHS) parents. In depth interviews were conducted to understand parents' perceptions. A paired-sample Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to assess change in pre-post knowledge/attitudes scores. Changes in care practices are described. Parents were very positive about this education, were open to non-antibiotic URI care, and reported that materials were helpful. Following the intervention, the mean composite knowledge/attitude score increased from 4.1 (total: 10) to 6.6 (P < .05). Families also reported improved care practices. EHS sites are promising locations for health literacy interventions regarding URI.

Impact of a computerized template on antibiotic prescribing for acute respiratory infections in children and adolescents

BACKGROUND

Computerized decision support (CDS) can potentially improve patient safety and guideline adherence. The authors developed an acute respiratory illness interactive template (ARI-IT) within an electronic health record (EHR) to manage pediatric ARIs and assessed the impact on antibiotic prescribing.

METHODS

They randomized 12 practices either to receive the ARI-IT or to the control group. Antibiotic rates among all eligible ARI diagnoses were compared among control and intervention ARI visits, controlling for clustering by clinician.

RESULTS

There was no difference in total antibiotic prescriptions between control and intervention clinics. Use of the ARI-IT significantly reduced antibiotic prescriptions (31.7% vs 39.9%; P = .02) and use of macrolides (6.2% vs 9.5%; P = .02) among visits compared with those eligible visits where it was not used.

CONCLUSION

Use of the CDS reduced antibiotic prescribing and macrolide prescriptions among children with an ARI. Nonetheless, the low overall use resulted in an ineffective intervention.

Survey of non-prescribed use of antibiotics for children in an urban community in Mongolia

OBJECTIVE

to estimate the prevalence and identify the determinants of non-prescription use of antibiotics for children in Mongolia.

METHODS

a community-based cross-sectional survey was undertaken in 10 subdistricts in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia's capital. We used a structured questionnaire to collect data from a random sample of 540 households with at least one child aged < 5 years. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with antibiotic misuse.

FINDINGS

of 503 participating caregivers, 71% were mothers; 42.3% (95% confidence interval, CI: 37.8-46.9) of caregivers had used non-prescribed antibiotics to treat symptoms in their child during the previous 6 months. Symptoms commonly treated were cough (84%), fever (66%), nasal discharge (65%) and sore throat (60%). Amoxicillin was the most commonly used antibiotic (58%). Pharmacies were the main source (86%) of non-prescribed antibiotics. Non-prescribed use by mothers was significantly associated with keeping antibiotics at home (odds ratio, OR: 1.7; 95% CI: 1.04-2.79), caregiver self-medication (OR: 6.3; 95% CI: 3.8-10.5) and older child's age (OR: 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01-1.04). Caregivers with a better knowledge of antibiotics were less likely to give children non-prescribed antibiotics (OR: 0.7; 95% CI: 0.6-0.8).

CONCLUSION

the prevalence of non-prescribed antibiotic use for young children was high in Ulaanbaatar. Because such use leads to the spread of bacterial resistance to antibiotics and related health problems, our findings have important implications for public education and the enforcement of regulations regarding the sale of antibiotics in Mongolia.

Development and assessment of a questionnaire for a descriptive cross-sectional study concerning parents' knowledge, attitudes and practises in antibiotic use in Greece

Background

Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs) are common in children. The cause is usually viral, but parents' attitude often contributes to inappropriate antibiotic prescribing, promoting antibiotic resistance. The objective is to describe the process of developing a questionnaire to assess parents' Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) concerning the role of antibiotics when children suffer from URIs, as well as to evaluate the response rates, the completeness and the reliability (Cronbach) of the questionnaires. Finally, to note any limitations of the study.

Methods

Literature review, along with pre – testing yielded a questionnaire designed to assess the parents' KAP – level. A postal survey was set, in a national sample of 200 schools stratified by geographical region. The participants consist of a multistage geographical cluster sample of 8000 parents. The influence of demographic characteristics (i.e. sex, age, education) was analyzed. Cronbach index test and factor analysis were used to assess the reliability of the questionnaire.

Results

The response rate of the parents was 69%. Islands presented the lowest response rate while in Northern Greece the response rate was the highest. Sixty – eight point nine percent of the sample returned questionnaires fully completed, while 91.5% completed 95% of the questions. Three questions out of 70 were answered in a very low rate which was associated mostly with immigrant respondents. The section describing parents' attitude toward antibiotic use was not completed as much as the sections of knowledge or practices. The questions were factor analyzed and 10 out of the 21 extracted factors were finally evaluated, reducing the number of independent variables to 46. The reliability of the questionnaire was 0.55. However, only items that increased the Cronbach when added were eventually included in the final scales raising the internal consistency to 0.68. Limitations of the study, such as the vocabulary and form of the questionnaire and the idiocycrancy of the respondents, emerged during the analysis.

Conclusion

The response rate and the completeness of the questionnaires were higher than expected, probably attributed to the involvement of the teachers. The study findings were satisfactory regarding the development of a reliable instrument capable to measure parents' KAP characteristics.