Abstract

“ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF CAREGIVERS OF PEDIATRIC POPULATION TOWARDS USE AND MISUSE OF COMMONLY USED ANTIBIOTICS IN TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL”

Prof. J. S. Venkatesh*, Supin P. Sabu, Ramya G. S. and Sumaya S.

Abstract

Background: The overuse of antibiotics is a major global public health concern, contributing to the emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) related to antibiotic use among pediatric caregivers. Methodology: A six-month observational, cross-sectional, hospital-based questionnaire study was conducted among 250 caregivers of children aged 1–16 years at Chigateri Government District Hospital, Davangere. Only consenting parents, including those with a medical background, were included. A structured questionnaire assessed knowledge on antibiotic use, indications, resistance, and doctor-patient relationships, with responses marked as true/false/uncertain or yes/no/don’t know. Results: Out of 250 questionnaires, 240 were eligible for analysis (96% response rate), with the majority of respondents being mothers aged 25–34 years. About 53% had completed secondary to graduate-level education. Mothers with more than one child showed better knowledge. Most participants were from rural areas and had limited knowledge about antibiotics. However, their attitude and practice towards antibiotic use were generally appropriate, reflecting trust in doctors' prescriptions. Conclusion: While the attitude and practice of caregivers towards antibiotics were acceptable, there was a noticeable gap in knowledge, particularly among rural populations and first-time mothers. Educational initiatives are necessary to improve awareness regarding the rational use of antibiotics and to curb the dispensing of antibiotics without prescriptions.

Keywords: Antibiotics; Pediatric caregivers; Antimicrobial resistance; Over-the-counter use; WHO; Knowledge-attitude-practice.