Parents’ Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards the Rational Use of Antibiotics in Upper Respiratory Tract Infections: a Malaysian Community-Based Study

Abstract

Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are the most common infections in children encountered by physicians in primary healthcare settings. This study aimed to assess the Malaysian parents’
knowledge, attitude, and practices towards the rational use of antibiotics in URTIs. A cross-sectional survey was executed; by using a previously validated questionnaire. Overall 406 parents responded from different states of Malaysia, by using a convenient sampling technique. Of the respondents, 204 (50.7%)
opined that antibiotics could treat both bacterial and viral infections; 232 (57.7%) assumed that antibiotics are effective in treating the common cold, flu, cough, and sore throat. The knowledge of the parents
was significantly associated with their level of education (OR = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.13 - 2.27; p = 0.014).
Around 70% believed that it’s not necessary to finish the entire antibiotic course of treatment if the child
feels better. Only 140 (34.8%) knew that most of the URTIs are of viral origin. It was observed that respondents 154 (38.31%) would be dissatisfied if the physician does not prescribe antibiotics for treating
URTIs. The findings elucidate that Malaysian parents have inadequate knowledge highlighting the need
for parental education programs regarding the rational use of antibiotics.