Maternal Attitudes to Antibiotic Use: A Community Based Case Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Maternal Attitudes to Antibiotic Use: A Community Based Case Study
IRAS ID
217969
Contact name
Helen Bosley
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 9 months, 1 days
Research summary
Overuse of non-essential antibiotics has led to an emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which is a recognised threat to modern healthcare with serious implications for managing the populations’ future healthcare needs. A report by the Parliamentary Science and Technology Committee(2014) identified that there is considerable pressure from patients to receive antibiotics, but poor public awareness of AMR and the potential risks associated with increasing AMR. A significant proportion of the antibiotics used each year are prescribed for children. Most childhood illnesses are caused by viruses rather than bacteria often spontaneously resolving without medical intervention, as in the case of the common cold or in childhood illnesses such as chickenpox.
Mothers have a vital role in families as health custodians, often making decisions regarding the appropriate management of their family’s health. Thus, their own health literacy is a crucial issue in the understanding of their attitudes and expectations around antibiotic use. However, the specific role of mothers in requesting antibiotics for their children has not been specifically acknowledged or studied in the UK. This study will explore factors influencing maternal attitudes, and possible actions that can be taken to reduce antibiotic prescribing.REC name
South Central - Oxford A Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/SC/0108
Date of REC Opinion
18 May 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion