A Survey of Pediatricians’ Views and Practices Regarding Parents’ Request for Prescribing Antibiotics: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Bacterial resistance is considered an important concern in health care medicine. There is a close relationship between the use of antibiotics and drug resistance. Objectives: In this study, pediatricians' views and their practices regarding parents' request for prescribing antibiotics when they did not see the need for the prescription and their opinions and suggestions were studied. Methods: This study was a qualitative cross-sectional interviewer assist study of pediatricians using a validated self-designed questionnaire. The study population included one hundred pediatricians in Tehran province from January to May 2018. Sampling method was non-probability convenience method. Results:The mean age of the participants was 37.04 ± 5.9 years, 47% male, and 53% female. The frequency of parents' requests from pediatricians to prescribe antibiotics was 53% and about 45.3% of them agreed with this request. Gender was significant in participants' agreement with the request of parents (60% in male and 26% in female). The important issues of this agreement were: the absence of a definitive clinical diagnosis (51%); when the initial treatment was not effective (39%); and concerned about legal consequences (51%). About 54.7% did not agree with this request. The most important issues of disagreement were: confirmation of clinical diagnosis (79%), and when pediatricians did not feel pressure from the parents (73%). The most important recommendation by the participants to reduce parents' request included an adequate explanation and counseling with parents at the time of the visit (70%), increasing parental information in the community (62%), and the standardized guidelines for the treatment of diseases (51%). Conclusions: Based on the results, consultation with parents reduces parental concern and pressure. The parental information still plays a major role in the proper use of antibiotics. Retraining pediatricians and preparation of guidelines can be effective in increasing their confidence and correct diagnosis and prescribing decisions.

Assessment of the Iodine Status Among Iranian School-aged Children 20 Years After the First National Survey in Iran

“…Also, according to the importance and standardization of ID handling in children, the best way for education and also proper use of iodine in this issue is to utilize public and bulletins guidelines by the National Committee for IDD Control. In critical medical situations, the guidelines and public bulletins are very practical for parents and primary care physicians to use the elements properly and manage the general medical situations (19). The present study had some limitations.…”

Effect of Metformin or Vitamin E on Ultrasonographic Grade and Biochemical Findings of Children and Adolescents with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial

“…Unfortunately, this study did not examine confounding factors such as family income, number of children at home, parents' level of education, and family nutritional status. In addition, medications used to treat NAFLD may increase the cost of treatment and side effects, which can be avoided by following the guidelines (22).…”

Reasons for Requesting a CT Scan and Amount of Radiation Exposure in Hospitalized Children, the Issue Needs Attention

“…A 25% reduction in the maximum radiation between the age group and It is recommended that physicians consider that overuse of these modalities not only increases the treatment cost but also it is unethical. According to the side effects of these modalities, the best way to prevent misuse or overuse in these subjects, such as inappropriate use of antibiotics, is to use guidelines and reviewing the need to use CT scans items (29) and in addition, exact need for a CT scan and its diagnostic benefits against the potential risks to each CT scan requested should be clarified. This study can be considered a baseline study to review the current situation in the frequency of CT scans performed in children and may help in the planning for more rational use of CT scans to improve the health of children.…”