Factors related to the prescription of antibiotics for young children withviral pharyngitis by general practitioners and paediatricians in southeastern France

This study evaluates the antibiotic-prescribing practices of physicians as well as other related issues in the context of viral pharyngitis. In a tele phone interview, 535 physicians practising in southeastern France were subm itted a clinical case description of an episode of acute pharyngitis in a 2 -year-old child. Questions concerned antibiotic treatment and physicians' r easons for their treatment decision. The viral origin of the pharyngitis wa s more likely to be suspected by paediatricians than by general practitione rs (92% vs. 78%, P < 0.01); 57% of allopaths (compared with 26% of homeopat hs/acupuncturists and 14% of paediatricians, P < 0.001) declared they would prescribe an antibiotic in this situation (amoxicillin only in 42% of case s). This difference between allopaths and other physicians was still signif icant after controlling for knowledge regarding antibiotic therapy. In orde r to limit the risk of emerging resistant bacteria, it is urgent that train ing be upgraded for physicians, especially for allopaths.