Anne-Lise Nordlie1, Bjørg Marit Andersen. 1. Avdeling Helsefag, Høgskolen i Oslo, Postboks 4 St. Olavs plass, 0130 Oslo. anne-lise.nordlie@hf.hio.no
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Most children in day care get infections and are prescribed antibiotics. We studied parents' attitude towards such prescription. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Parents (563 out of 1126 surveyed) in 22 day care centres returned a questionnaire on factors in their own situation and in their day care centre with impact on the use of antibiotics. RESULTS: Parents above 30 years of age, well educated and knowledgeable about antibiotics were the most sceptical of such treatment. A negative attitude on the part of employers and colleagues towards absence from work led to more use of antibiotics (p < 0.01). Children in single-parent homes were given more antibiotics than those in two-parent homes (p < 0.05). Help from relatives led to less use of antibiotics (p < 0.01). Sick children went to day care in 16% of cases; 57% of those taking antibiotics still went to day care. INTERPRETATION: Parents' situation may influence the use of antibiotics in children. Too many children are taking antibiotics and still go to day care. Support in the workplace, from relatives and from friends may give parents a better chance of staying at home with a sick child, thus preventing the spread of infections and cut down on the use of antibiotics.
BACKGROUND: Most children in day care get infections and are prescribed antibiotics. We studied parents' attitude towards such prescription. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Parents (563 out of 1126 surveyed) in 22 day care centres returned a questionnaire on factors in their own situation and in their day care centre with impact on the use of antibiotics. RESULTS: Parents above 30 years of age, well educated and knowledgeable about antibiotics were the most sceptical of such treatment. A negative attitude on the part of employers and colleagues towards absence from work led to more use of antibiotics (p < 0.01). Children in single-parent homes were given more antibiotics than those in two-parent homes (p < 0.05). Help from relatives led to less use of antibiotics (p < 0.01). Sick children went to day care in 16% of cases; 57% of those taking antibiotics still went to day care. INTERPRETATION: Parents' situation may influence the use of antibiotics in children. Too many children are taking antibiotics and still go to day care. Support in the workplace, from relatives and from friends may give parents a better chance of staying at home with a sick child, thus preventing the spread of infections and cut down on the use of antibiotics.
Authors: Sotiria G Panagakou; Vassiliki Papaevangelou; Adamos Chadjipanayis; George A Syrogiannopoulos; Maria Theodoridou; Christos S Hadjichristodoulou Journal: ISRN Pediatr Date: 2012-11-01