Parental knowledge, attitudes and practices towards antibiotic use in children among staff at Universiti Putra Malaysia

Introduction: Irrational and irresponsible use of antibiotics in children has been reported as one of the major causes of antibiotic resistance. By virtue of that, adequate parental knowledge, attitudes and practices are essential to ensure appropriate use of antibiotics. Therefore, this study was designed to assess the sociodemographic factors, parental knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding antibiotic use among staff at Universiti Putra Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a set of validated questionnaires, by recruiting active staff members of UPM with children under the age of six as participants. Pearson, Chi-Square and Fisher Exact tests were used to analyse the association between sociodemographic factors and levels of parental knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding antibiotic use. Results: Among 141 participants, 67.4% had moderate knowledge about antibiotics with significant knowledge gaps regarding the use of antibiotics for viral infections and understanding the impacts of antibiotic resistance. 95% had positive attitudes toward antibiotics, emphasising the importance of following prescriptions and recognising the risks of antibiotic abuse while 74.5% demonstrated good practices in antibiotic use where they exercise responsible behaviour in managing their children’s antibiotic treatment by completing and adhering to prescribed doses. Discussion: Despite positive attitudes and good practices, some unethical behaviours such as self-prescribing antibiotic to children without consulting a doctor and administer antibiotics for viral infection were noted. The findings highlight the need for targeted educational efforts to improve antibiotic stewardship and combat antibiotic resistance.

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