Abstract

Background: Pathogenic organisms are involved in the upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) leading to nasal obstruction, sore throat, tonsillitis, otitis media, common cold, etc. and more prevalent in children. These URTIs may be mild and self-limiting, but the symptoms can cause fever and make children irritable and uncomfortable. To describe the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of parents regarding the use of antibiotics for their children with URTIs in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study conducted in the Tabuk region, Saudi Arabia. Participants (n=350) took part in the study from September 2018 to January 2019 by responding to a questionnaire. Chi-square and t-test were used to compare between dependents and independents variables. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software.
Results: 93% of participants were familiar with antibiotics but only 22% knew that antibiotics are used against bacterial infections. Only 61% of participants were aware of antibiotic resistance and 50% of participants think that most of the URTIs can be treated with antibiotics. About 19% of participants gave antibiotics to the child without consulting any doctor. About 37% of participants did not complete the antibiotic course for their children once the condition improved.
Conclusion: There were many misunderstandings regarding the use of antibiotics, following doctor’s instructions, time of usage and use of antibiotics without prescription. The study concludes by stating the need for awareness among parents, action against handing antibiotics without prescription and all physicians following a common protocol for managing children with URTIs.

Key words: Antibiotics, upper respiratory tract infections, questionnaire, children