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
Introduction: In Portugal, patients still believe they should perform a periodic check-up. The present study was designed to study the prescription pattern of “routine” laboratory tests in the Family practice in Portugal.Material and Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study in the Portuguese primary healthcare setting. We surveyed physicians on their “routine” laboratory test request pattern and the reasons for requesting or not requesting laboratory tests. The questions were based on the panel of the most prescribed tests in the of Central Lisbon health centre group.Results: Most of the inquired doctors said they requested “routine” laboratory tests (51.4%). There is a significant difference in the request of “routine” laboratory tests performed by trainees or specialists (p = 0.013). The most requested laboratory tests in adults are total cholesterol (92.2%) and blood glucose while the most requested laboratory tests in children are blood glucose, total cholesterol and full blood count. Many doctors (79.4%) that request “routine” laboratory tests do so to perform screening and the doctors that do not request routine” laboratory tests do so mainly (80.8%) because there’s lack of scientific evidence.Discussion: We found differences in the prescription pattern of Family Physicians in Portugal, namely regarding the request of “routine” laboratory tests by doctors from different regions, degrees of specialization and age. We found that there is an association between prescribing “routine” laboratory tests and their request for screening. These physicians aparently want to track different types of pathology, even though patients have no symptoms or risks that could justify it. Most doctors, who do not prescribe “routine” laboratory tests, do not agree with screening for asymptomatic individuals, which is consistent with the evidence.Conclusion: Our results suggest that there is an excessive request of laboratory tests which can lead to overdiagnosis and overtreatment that requires global Social Marketing strategies to change the prevailing culture.
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