Factors Affecting Antibiotics' Prescription in General Pediatric Clinics

Objectives Overuse of antibiotics in children has been well documented with serious effects on public health. This study was conducted to explore the use of antibiotics among children and identify the parents' influence on physicians. Methods A cross sectional study was carried out in the outpatient general pediatrics' clinic of Maternity and Child Hospital at Al Madinah Al Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia starting from January through February 2011. A specially-designed format was used. Results This study included 776 patients. Antibiotics were prescribed for 60.5% of those suffering from Upper respiratory tract infection and 43.2% of those with acute gastroenteritis. Mean percentage score of parents' perception was 48.1 +/- 18.16. Mean instruction percentage score given by physicians was 50.0 +/- 26.18. More than half (51.3%) of the physicians were influenced by the parents' desire for AB prescription. Antibiotic prescription was correlated with diagnosis (r=-.120, p=.001), mother education (-.121, p=.002) and parents' perception (-.087, p=.016). Presence or absence of fever (OR=1.8, CI=1.32-3.65) and parents perception (OR=1.9, CI=1.32-2.76) were risk factors for prescription. Conclusion Parents not only influenced the physicians to prescribe antibiotics but also had unsatisfactory perception towards antibiotics' utilization. The use of antibiotics was determined by physicians' experience and mothers' educational level and her work status.