Influencing factors of knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding antibiotic use in children with upper respiratory tract infections in Dubai

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The main leading cause of the upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) is viral infection. However, parental attitudes often lead to inappropriate prescription of antibiotics contributing to development of antibiotic resistance. The aim of this study is to assess parental knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards the use of antibiotics in Dubai and to reveal the associated factors. METHOD: Questionnaires were distributed to 500 parents of children who were visiting Al Jalila Children's Specialty Hospital in Dubai. RESULT: A total of 467 subjects agreed to participate in the study. Family income, educational level, nationality, age of the respondents, and numbers of children were identified as factors that significantly associated with inadequate knowledge, negative attitude, or malpractice. CONCLUSION: The study has identified key factors associated with misuse of URTI antibiotics and highlights the importance of targeting those groups with intervention programs and campaigns to increase awareness and decrease misconception of antibiotic use.