Romanian Society of Pharmaceutical Sciences
 

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ANTIBIOTICS IN PAEDIATRICS. A QUESTIONNAIRE-BASED SURVEY REGARDING BASIC MEDICAL KNOWLEDGE AND PARENTS’ ATTITUDES

BIANCA-EUGENIA ŐSZ 1, CAMIL-EUGEN VARI 1*, MONICA SEBESTYEN 1, AMELIA TERO- VESCAN 2, RUXANDRA ȘTEFĂNESCU 3

1Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 540139, Târgu Mureș, Romania
2 Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 540139, Târgu Mureș, Romania
3 Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu-Mureș, 540139, Târgu Mureș, Romania

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Upper respiratory tract infections are frequent among paediatric patients. Their aetiology is usually viral, symptomatic treatment being the most appropriate. However, many viral infections are treated with antibiotics, without therapeutic benefit. The aim of the present study was to establish the therapeutic conduits for treating this type of infections, as well as the degree of knowledge among parents/legal guardians from Mures County, Romania, about the aetiology and the consequences of the abusive use of antibiotics. Study was based on a questionnaire consisting of 21 questions was distributed online through social media. Results show that most adults choose a symptomatic treatment at the first signs of the infection and seek medical advice only if the symptoms persist. Although most respondents correctly identified the pathogens responsible for upper respiratory tract infections, a lack of knowledge was noted regarding antibiotics spectrum. In Romania, many are parents/ legal guardians ask physicians to prescribe antibiotics for their children to have a backup in case of need. Although the results of the present study show a more judicious use of antibiotics compared to previously reported data, is the duty of both physicians and pharmacists to inform people about the risks of antibiotics abuse and bacterial resistance.