Shanghai Parents’ Perception And Attitude Towards The Use Of Antibiotics On Children: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND: Parents play an important role in the management of their children’s illnesses, including in decisions concerning how and whether to use antibiotics. This study aims to assess the knowledge and attitude towards antibiotics usage among young parents from different areas in Shanghai and to identify contributing factors of antibiotics usage that are comprehensible for parents. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at vaccination clinics of three community health centers from April to June 2017. Primary guardians who took children for vaccination under the national expanded immunization program were invited to participate. RESULTS: Of the 1368 young parents interviewed, 78.4% of them have taken their children for medical treatment, and 68.9% of their children have taken antibiotics. Parents with education level of senior high school (OR=1.850, 95% CI: 1.214–2.818), or university/college, or above (OR=3.950, 95% CI: 2.604–5.991), and parents with high-income (OR=1.360, 95% CI: 1.013–1.827) have better comprehension of antibiotics. It is found that parents who deny the existence of antibiotic abuse in China (OR=1.857, 95% CI: 1.100–3.135), who have lower income (OR=1.536, 95% CI: 1.074–2.197) and who have antibiotics prescribed by doctors (OR=1.473, 95% CI: 1.048–2.070) are associated with those incorrect practices. CONCLUSION: Lack of knowledge and poor perception of antibiotics usage are found among young parents in Shanghai. Intervention should be conducted to publicize the rational use of antibiotics, reduce the rate of inappropriate behaviors and limit the sale of antibiotics.