A nationwide parent survey of antibiotic use in Australian children

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance is increasing globally, largely due to high rates of antibiotic use and misuse. Factors that influence frequent antibiotic use in children are poorly understood. This study describes rates of antibiotic use in Australian children and investigates parental factors including knowledge, attitudes and behaviours that influence antibiotic use. Methods: An online questionnaire relating to antibiotic use was administered as part of the Royal Children's Hospital National Child Health Poll to a randomly recruited nationwide sample of parents or guardians of children aged 0-17 years in Australia. Data on antibiotic use in children and parental knowledge of appropriate indicati..