Assessing Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Adults Aged 21-62 Regarding Antibiotic Use for Treatment of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Children: A multi-country Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVES

Antibiotic resistance is a growing global concern, often driven by inappropriate antibiotic use for viral upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in children. This study assessed parental knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward antibiotic use and identified influencing factors.

STUDY

DESIGN

Multi-country, cross-sectional, web-based study.

METHODS

From July 2023 to June 2024, adults aged 21-62 years from 9 Arab countries completed a validated online questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of 2,172 participants from 9 Arab-speaking countries, most were highly educated with healthcare backgrounds. While physicians were the main information source, misconceptions persisted-especially regarding antibiotic use for fever and earaches. Higher income and medical training were protective factors. Self-medication was common despite good knowledge.

CONCLUSION

Parental misconceptions regarding antibiotics in pediatric URTIs remain prevalent. Educational interventions and regulatory strategies are essential to improve antibiotic stewardship in Arab countries..