CURRENT ATTITUDES REGARDING USE OF ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS - RESULTS FROM PHYSICIANS AND PARENTS FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSIONS

Antibiotics are widely prescribed for children with nonspecific upper respiratory tract infections, contributing to the recent emergence of resistant :pneumococci. To understand the reasons for the overprescrip tion of antibiotics, we conducted focus groups with parents and with p ediatricians and family physicians to assess heir attitudes regarding the use of antibiotics. Physicians asserted that their own antibiotic prescribing could be safely reduced. Parental expectation to receive a ntibiotics was a major factor influencing their overuse of antibiotics . Parents indicated that they would be satisfied with the medical visi t even if antibiotics were not prescribed, provided the physician expl ained the reasons for the decision. This study highlights differences in physician and parent perceptions about antibiotic overuse and sugge sts that educational efforts to narrow this communication gap will be important for improving antibiotic use.