Parents’ awareness of antimicrobial resistance: a qualitative study utilising the Health Belief Model in Perth, Western Australia

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to determine local factors that promote or prevent parents' responsible use of antibiotics for their children in Perth, Western Australia. Methods:The Health Belief Model was used to guide this study. Four focus group discussions were conducted, with 26 participants. Participants were recruited purposively through a parent group organisation. The Framework Method was utilised to analyse the data.Results: Participants agreed that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious health problem. However, participants admitted that they lacked awareness of AMR, inhibiting their ability to assess the risks of developing AMR infections among their children. Participants knew the indications and risks of antibiotic use but still viewed antibiotics as a time-saving solution that minimised disruption to their routine. Participants' previous experiences in managing their children's illness increased their confidence and linked their positive and negative experiences with their general practitioners in their judicious use of antibiotics. Conclusions:While parents demonstrated awareness of the indications of antibiotics, they continue to lack AMR awareness and overvalue antibiotics. Implications for public health:The findings highlight that incorporating parent empowerment and participation in decision-making regarding antibiotics use, and maintaining a positive relationship with healthcare providers, were important strategies to encourage the appropriate use of antibiotics.

Insights from a Cross-Sectional Study on Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviors Concerning Antibiotic Use in a Large Metropolitan Area: Implications for Public Health and Policy Interventions

“…Furthermore, this study identified a relationship between individuals' education levels and their behavior regarding the use of antibiotics. This finding is not surprising, as previous research has also reported a similar connection between education and antibiotic use [64]. It is possible that individuals with a higher level of education have a better understanding of the risks associated with antibiotic misuse, and are therefore, more likely to exhibit responsible behaviors.…”

Assessing the Effects of Medical Information on Parental Self-Medication Behaviors for Children’s Health: A Comparative Analysis

“…Most people trust their family physician's perspectives [40]. Another study showed that participants who were involved in decisions on how to manage their children's illness by their GPs facilitated responsible use of antibiotics [41]. In studies conducted by Fathi et al and Mohsen et al, it was found that physicians and health staff were effective in promoting preventive behaviors [35,42].…”

Antibiotic-Resistant ESKAPE Pathogens and COVID-19: The Pandemic beyond the Pandemic

“…The awareness of dangers deriving from the use of too many antibiotics is useful, but in some cases, it is not enough to combat the possible resistance. For example, in a study conducted in Australia on children, it was demonstrated that parental knowledge of antibacterial resistance does not generally translate into a responsible use of antibiotics for their children [ 37 ]. The inappropriate consumption and application of antibiotics have driven the rapid emergence of diverse resistant Gram-negative bacteria, including PDR, DTR, XDR, MDR, and CR Gram-negative bacteria ( Table 1 ) [ 38 , 39 , 40 ].…”