KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES REGARDING ANTIBIOTICS USE AMONG PARENTS FOR THEIR CHILDREN

Introduction: Antibiotics are used to perish the growth of bacteria. Undesirable use of antibiotics is presently common all over the world. Parent’s knowledge and attitudes towards antibiotics play a vital role in the success of treatment process. Due to lack of knowledge, sometimes antibiotics are badly used for the treatment of infection. Study aims to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding antibiotics use among parents for their children. Methodology: A cross-sectional study design was adapted, using convenient sampling technique in different areas of Lahore, Pakistan during the period June -2017 to November- 2017 by using a self-administrated questionnaire, involving 400 participants. Those mothers or fathers were included which had children under 5 years of age. Results: Results showed that 92(23%) of the respondents had poor knowledge, 252(63%) had moderate knowledge and 44(11%) had good knowledge. Significant associations were found between knowledge statements and age, number of children, education and spouse education. Significant associations were also found between attitude statements and age, gender, number of children, education and spouse education. Whereas significant associations were found between practice statements and gender, number of children, education and spouse education. Significant association was found between knowledge about antibiotics & education level (P <.001), and also between attitude about antibiotics & education level (P=0.005). Conclusion: The survey revealed that there is a diversity of public awareness about antibiotics and microbiological resistance on the basis of socio-demographic factors. The misuse of antibiotics is an important issue in public health which affects the society and individual people.