Attached
Background - Antibiotics are frequently misused leading to drug resistance and concerns on reemergence of pre-Edward Jenner Era. There are misconceptions about appropriate usage, storage
and reconstitution, and often being used without prescriptions.
Method - Descriptive cross-sectional study carried out in teaching and private hospital setup by
an interviewer-administered questionnaire from March to June 2016. Study population was 150
parents of children who have received oral antibiotic preparations.
Results - Data analysis showed 88%, 10% and 2% used boiled cooled, mineral and tap water for
reconstitution respectively. 18.7% and 74% used small measuring cup and mark on the bottle for
measuring water respectively. When child refuses, 40% gave forcefully, 18.7% mixed with milk, 8%
mixed with honey. Regarding storage, 59% stored in the fridge door, 16% in main compartment
and 23%in room air. To measure the accurate amount 80% used measuring cup, 10.7% dropper, 6%
home spoon (5ml tea spoon) and 3% used the lid of the bottle. 57% of children received antibiotic
after meals and 30% before meals. 84.7% of parents knew nothing about side-effects and only
15 4% had some idea about side-effects. 24% gave antibiotics till the symptoms relieve and 74%
follows doctor's instructions. 2% bought antibiotics without prescriptions and 1,3% used the same
antibiotics if the sibling is ill.
Conclusion & Recommendation - Among the parent population we studied, most bought antibiotics
with prescription and followed doctors' instructions, yet without proper dosage and timing. Most of
the parents knew how to reconstitute, but didn't know the proper storage methods. When children
refuse majority have forcefully given, only few have mixed w ith pacifiers;Majority had no idea about
side effects. Enhancing the parental knowledge regarding antibiotic usage is a mandate.
