Assesing parental knowledge, attitudes & practices regarding reconstitution, administration & storage of antibiotics

Abstract

Attached

Background - Antibiotics are frequently misused leading to drug resistance and concerns on reemergence of pre-Edward Jenner Era. There are misconceptions about appropriate usage, storage and reconstitution, and often being used without prescriptions. Method - Descriptive cross-sectional study carried out in teaching and private hospital setup by an interviewer-administered questionnaire from March to June 2016. Study population was 150 parents of children who have received oral antibiotic preparations. Results - Data analysis showed 88%, 10% and 2% used boiled cooled, mineral and tap water for reconstitution respectively. 18.7% and 74% used small measuring cup and mark on the bottle for measuring water respectively. When child refuses, 40% gave forcefully, 18.7% mixed with milk, 8% mixed with honey. Regarding storage, 59% stored in the fridge door, 16% in main compartment and 23%in room air. To measure the accurate amount 80% used measuring cup, 10.7% dropper, 6% home spoon (5ml tea spoon) and 3% used the lid of the bottle. 57% of children received antibiotic after meals and 30% before meals. 84.7% of parents knew nothing about side-effects and only 15 4% had some idea about side-effects. 24% gave antibiotics till the symptoms relieve and 74% follows doctor's instructions. 2% bought antibiotics without prescriptions and 1,3% used the same antibiotics if the sibling is ill. Conclusion & Recommendation - Among the parent population we studied, most bought antibiotics with prescription and followed doctors' instructions, yet without proper dosage and timing. Most of the parents knew how to reconstitute, but didn't know the proper storage methods. When children refuse majority have forcefully given, only few have mixed w ith pacifiers;Majority had no idea about side effects. Enhancing the parental knowledge regarding antibiotic usage is a mandate.