Pediatricians and residents play a pivotal role in antibiotic management, especially concerning upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) among children. A recent cross-sectional study conducted among these medical professionals in the northern West Bank, Palestine, highlights the pressing need to address knowledge gaps and improve prescribing behaviors to combat the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.
The study gathered data from December 2021 to January 2022, evaluating the competencies of pediatricians and residents by utilizing validated questionnaires. Researchers aimed to assess the current practices and attitudes of these healthcare providers toward prescribing antibiotics for commonly encountered respiratory infections.
URTIs, widely recognized as the most common illnesses among children globally, are primarily caused by viruses, making antibiotic treatment largely ineffective. Yet, many pediatricians continue to prescribe these medications, driven by factors such as diagnostic uncertainty and parental expectations. This phenomenon raises significant concerns about increasing antibiotic resistance, which poses severe repercussions for public health.
Among the 120 pediatricians surveyed, the response rate was commendably high at 90%. Overall, the participants displayed commendable knowledge, with 91 respondents scoring seven or more on antibiotic-related knowledge assessments. Yet, alarmingly, 22% believed antibiotics acted as anti-inflammatory drugs, demonstrating misconceptions still prevalent among some healthcare professionals.
The study revealed attitudes toward antibiotic use were largely favorable, with 98.2% of participants agreeing antibiotics should not be immediately prescribed for common colds. Nevertheless, 6.5% indicated they would turn to broad-spectrum antibiotics for most URTIs.
Pediatricians noted several challenges affecting their prescribing practices, including time constraints to adequately explain antibiotic treatments to parents and parents' demands for antibiotics. Approximately 11.1% of respondents expressed difficulty choosing appropriate antibiotics, charting the course for enhancement through educational initiatives.
This research highlights the positive correlation between knowledge and antibiotic prescribing behavior. Those exhibiting higher knowledge scores were more likely to adopt proper prescribing behaviors. Yet, the results suggested knowledge alone may be insufficient. A systemic approach with enhanced educational efforts, improved doctor-parent communication, and policies regulating antibiotic use is necessary.
Researchers argue public awareness about inappropriate antibiotic utilization must be elevated. Nearly all respondents recognized antibiotics' overuse within Palestinian healthcare, with 95.4% acknowledging their misuse contributes to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. More than 80% of respondents believed resistance primarily occurred within medical institutions.
The study concluded with recommendations for implementing significant interventions aimed at curbing antibiotic misuse. Such recommendations include prohibiting over-the-counter antibiotic sales, increasing public education on appropriate antibiotic use, and fostering improved relationships between healthcare providers and patients.
Only through concerted efforts can providers hope to educate parents adequately about when antibiotics are necessary and promote responsible prescribing. The research underlines the importance of addressing misconceptions and improving communication within the doctor-patient dynamic as immediate steps toward ensuring the judicious use of antibiotics.
The results from this study are of utmost relevance not only to Palestine but also reflect similar issues faced globally, emphasizing the need for pediatricians to spearhead efforts against antibiotic misuse and resistance.