Challenges in Antibiotics Prescriptions in Paediatrics: A National Survey Among Lebanese Paediatricians

Abstract

Amale Issa, Nadine Saleh, Mira Hleyhel, Rouba Karen Zeidan, Sara Assaf, Nathalie Lahoud

Objectives: The aim of this study, the first of its kind in Lebanon, was to evaluate attitudes and practices of Lebanese paediatricians towards antibiotics prescriptions with a special focus on upper respiratory tract infections to identify challenges facing physicians.

Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among paediatricians registered in the Orders of Physicians. A 63-item questionnaire in English was sent by e-mail or by message to mobile phones of all paediatricians with subsequent reminders.

Results: One hundred seventeen physicians agreed to participate in the study. A high proportion of Lebanese paediatricians replied correctly on avoiding antibiotics in cases of cough (86.3%), upper respiratory tract infections (74.4%), tympanic membrane dysfunction (64.1%) and prevention of secondary infection (63%). Eighty percent of physicians prescribed antibiotics for pharyngitis without requesting a throat culture. Most physicians admitted that antibiotic use is considerable in their community and that antibiotic resistance is a threat on the national and international level. Forty percent of paediatricians agreed and strongly agreed that giving advice to parents reduces their antibiotic demand. The same percentage disagreed that they might prescribe antibiotics to gain parents’ trust.

Conclusion: National campaigns are required to increase parents’ educations and promote judicious antimicrobial use. Implementing national guidelines, ensuring continuing medical education for doctors and regulating over the counter sale of antibiotics are highly recommended

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