Highlights
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is recognized as a pressing public health issue with long-term and unpredictable health, social, and economic impacts worldwide.
- Previous studies have reported similar results. Another novel finding is that approximately 75% and 47% of parents are aware that the misuse of antibiotics can lead to AR, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria being difficult to treat, respectively, which is similar to earlier findings in studies conducted in comparatively more developed nations such as Saudi Arabia (96%), Cyprus (90%), Greece (88%), Sweden (81%), Israel (78%), and India.
- This study aimed to determine the factors that contribute to antibiotic misuse among parents
- The study identified several factors, including parents' age, sex, education level, employment status, household income, and positive attitudes, that were significantly associated with the appropriate use of antibiotics among parents
- This multi-pronged approach calls for robust collaboration among policymakers, healthcare providers, and educators to address this critical public health issue
- 30% of parents had a positive attitude regarding antibiotic use, while more than 80% showed a positive attitude by disagreeing with the idea that leftover antibiotics should be kept at home for later use
- It underscores the importance of promoting healthy lifestyle practices and leveraging the penetrative power of the mass media to disseminate vital information regarding antibiotic use
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health concern, and in resource-constrained countries, such as Bangladesh, the misuse of antibiotics poses a significant threat. A recent study conducted in Dhaka City shed light on the factors contributing to antibiotic misuse among parents of school-going children. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted education and awareness initiatives to address this pressing issue.
This study involved 704 parents, revealing that 64% of them exhibited antibiotic misuse. Factors such as parental age, sex, educational level, employment status, household income, and positive attitudes were significantly associated with the appropriate use of antibiotics. These results underscore the complexity of this issue and the necessity of a multi-pronged approach to tackle antibiotic misuse.
Factors influencing antibiotic misuse, including parental age, with distinct patterns observed among different age groups. In addition, parental education level, employment status, and household income played significant roles. The findings emphasize the importance of tailoring interventions to specific demographic groups to maximize their impact.
This research assessed Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) related to antibiotic use among parents. Approximately 45% demonstrated moderate knowledge, 53% had uncertain attitudes, and 64% had misused antibiotics. Targeted educational initiatives are crucial for enhancing parents' knowledge and cultivating responsible antibiotic practices.
The study revealed alarming misconceptions among parents, including willingness (58%) to administer antibiotics to their children without a doctor's prescription. Furthermore, 36% favored buying antibiotics directly from pharmacies rather than consulting healthcare professionals. These findings highlight the need for interventions that address these misconceptions and promote the use of appropriate antibiotics.
To combat antibiotic misuse effectively, this study recommends government enforcement of laws and regulations regarding antibiotic use. Strengthening policies and regulations will play a pivotal role in curbing the indiscriminate use of antibiotics and will contribute to the global fight against antimicrobial resistance.
The findings of this study provide a comprehensive overview of the factors contributing to antibiotic misuse among parents in Dhaka City. This underscores the urgency of implementing targeted education and awareness initiatives, coupled with robust policy enforcement, to address this critical public health issue. Collaboration among policymakers, healthcare providers, and educators is essential for creating a sustainable and effective strategy against antibiotic resistance.
Moving forward, concerted efforts are needed to bridge the knowledge gap, dispel misconceptions, and instill responsible antibiotic practices among parents. By doing so, Dhaka City, and indeed the world, can work towards a future where antibiotics are used judiciously, preserving their effectiveness for generations to come.
References
Islam, M.W., Shahjahan, M., Azad, A.K., Hossain, M. J. Factors contributing to antibiotic misuse among parents of school-going children in Dhaka City, Bangladesh. Sci Rep 14, 2318 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-52313-y