Research Study

Research Study

Research Title:

:"Antibiotic misuse in children : a review and know-how in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia"

Summary: (150 - 200 words)

Research Problem:

Increasing prevalence of self-initiated antibiotic misuse by parents to treat mild symptoms in there children that may not necessarily require antibiotic treatment, related to increased resistance in microorganisms, continuous need for manufacturing next generation of antibiotic, availability and high cost implications for health care providers and society in general.

Research Significance:

Identifying the reasons underlying antibiotic misuse in the Saudi population is essential to understand the perceptions and practices of parents self-initiating antibiotic therapy for their children, increase awareness, and to educate the public in general (and parents in particular) about the consequences of inappropriate antibiotic utilization (i.e. tolerance, antibiotic resistance, allergies) and to formulate guidelines to reduce the misuse of antibiotics by parents in their children.

Research Objectives:

Examining parents' knowledge, beliefs and practices regarding antibiotic use and misuse in an attempt to:

Determine the perceptions of parents/caretakers that contribute to antibiotic misuse among the Saudi population.

Identify the most misused antibiotics.

Know the common signs and symptoms in children that lead to non-prescribed use of antibiotics by parents.



Research Problem and Significance

Antibiotic misuse is considered a major health problem having profound destructive effects on the individuals and in the community as the issue was systemically reviewed and meta-analyzed by P. Kardas et al in 2005. The presence of commercial pharmacies selling different types of medications (including antibiotics) without a prescription has led the public to administer these medications without consulting a physician.

This study aims to assess the beliefs and practices of parents, most commonly used antibiotics, and the typical signs and symptoms in children that lead to antibiotic misuse by parents for treating their children without consulting a physician in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The results of this study will help to provide evidence to formulate guidelines to increase awareness and educate parents and public about the hazards associated with the misuse of antibiotics.



Research Objectives

Examining parents' knowledge, beliefs and practices regarding antibiotic use and misuse in an attempt to:

Determine the perceptions of parents/caretakers that contribute to antibiotic misuse among the Saudi population.

Identify the types of antibiotics that are most commonly misused by parents of children aged between 1-12 years old.

Know the common signs and symptoms in children that lead parents to self-administer antibiotics to their children without consulting a physician.



Research Methodology

A survey of parents of children aged between 1 and 12 years old using a questionnaire that will be conducted in several public areas of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia which are; Gurnata, Assalam, AlRiyadh, Taibah and AlAwais Malls during August 2010. It will contain demographic characteristics including the socioeconomic and educational status as well as questions that test the knowledge, beliefs and attitudes towards antibiotics use to find out the signs and symptoms, common practices, and other reasons leading to antibiotic use without medical consultation. Statistical analysis will be done to describe socio-demographic data, beliefs and practices of parents on self-prescribed antibiotic ...