Razi Journal of Medical Sciences

Background: Antibiotics are type of antibacterial drugs which are used in the treatment and prevention of bacterial infection. Overuse of antibiotics for treatments of infections is widespread and contributes to the emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Antibiotic resistance is currently one of the most important concerns about antibiotics which is becoming a worldwide concern. It can increase disease transmission and risk of mortality. Antibiotic prescribing patterns are an important key factor in the incidence of antibiotic resistance. When it comes to pediatrics prescribing antibiotics to children, parent expectation and pressures may influence these patterns.

Methods: In order to better understand how parents expectation influence the prescribing patterns of physicians and what strategies physicians can do to reduce the rate of antibiotics overuse, we evaluated the frequency of antibiotic prescribed by pediatrician upon parent’s requests. To collect data, deep interview and closed-ended questionnaire were used. 200 pediatricians living in Tabriz were asked to complete the questionnaire.

Results: Our results showed that 65% of parents had requested antibiotics 6 or more times in the past month while it was not necessary and about 50% of pediatricians complied with these requests.

: Our results also indicated that educating parents about appropriate indications of antibiotics must be as a part of any comprehensive plans to reduce inappropriate oral antibiotic indications.