A nationwide parent survey of antibiotic use in Australian children

Abstract

BACKGROUND: 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. OBJECTIVES: 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..