To assess parents' knowledge and attitudes towards the use of antibiotics within the paediatric age range.Methods and Materials: This observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study, with a voluntary and anonymous questionnaire was implemented over three months to a sample of parents of children and teenagers enrolled on two Family Health Units, D. Jordão (rural area) and Sétima Colina (urban area). results: A total of 294 valid questionnaires were obtained. Only 149 (51%) answered that antibiotics treat bacterial infections, 101 (34%) believed that they help in the recovery of a flu and 36 (12%) considered that they should always be used in case of fever. Two hundred twenty-seven (77%), identified misuse of antimicrobials as a cause of bacterial resistance, even so, 31% became concerned if the doctor does not prescribe these drugs. Only 87 (30%) showed high level of knowledge and a statistically significant correlation existed between higher age of parents [Odd's ratio (OR)=2.37], education (OR=3.42), confidence in doctors (OR=2.06) and level of knowledge of respondents. There was no statistically significant difference between the level of knowledge of users in the rural environment compared to those in the urban environment (p=0.546).
conclusion:Most parents are unaware of antibiotics' function, as well as the difference between viral and bacterial infections. Although they identify that misuse of these drugs may lead to bacterial resistance, parents become reluctant when antibiotics are not prescribed. introduction Antibiotics, whose function allows the prevention and cure of infections of bacterial origin, are considered one of the most relevant inventions of the 20 th century. [1][2][3] Prior to their discovery, bacterial infections contributed significantly tzo morbidity and mortality on a global scale. 1,4 Thus, antibiotics play an essential role in medical practice, 2,5 so their prescription has been increasing. 4,6 In 2014, these drugs contributed to 70.5% of the total anti-infectious drugs prescribed at ambulatory care and hospitals in Mainland Portugal. 7 However, its widespread use correlates with the development of strains of resistant bacteria. 1,8,9 Although this is a natural process resulting from the selective pressure exerted by the use of antibiotics, the selection of resistant strains is enhanced by inappropriate and frequent use of this pharmacological class. 8,10,15