PARENTAL ISSUES IN SELECTION OF ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS FOR INFANTS AND CHILDREN

The traditional American family has changed during the past several de cades with increases in the number of single-parent households and wor king mothers, These changes have led to increased stress in the family when children become ill. Infectious diseases are the most common rea sons parents seek care for ill children, and parents want effective an d convenient treatment regimens so the child can recover quickly and r eturn to day care or school. Issues that affect parental compliance an d satisfaction with antimicrobial treatment regimens include efficacy, safety, cost, convenience, and previous experience, Parents are more involved in medical decision making than ever before and often want to be included in the selection of an antibiotic for their child, Physic ians should be aware of the many issues impacting on parents' opinions about antibiotic therapy.