Maternal knowledge and prescribing practices of antibiotics for childhood infections: a cross-sectional survey in Jordan

This article aims to assess the knowledge and practices of Jordanian mothers regarding antibiotic consumption by their children. A questionnaire was distributed to mothers during hospital visits in February-May 2020. Questions were on socio-demographics; knowledge of antibiotic indications/complications; and prescribing practices. A total of 1926 mothers participated. Most mothers were aware that antibiotics are not indicated for viral infections (72.0%), and that abuse leads to complications like antibiotic resistance (82.1%). However, their knowledge regarding antibiotic complications was not satisfactory particularly complications of obesity (11.7%), caries (29.9%), and allergy (43.4%). The most important clinical indications for antibiotics were perceived to be otitis media (89.8%), and sore throat (44.4%). A proportion of 21.7% admitted self-prescribing, significantly among families of ≤2 children, and poor antibiotic knowledge (p<0.01). Lower antibiotic knowledge scores were impacted mostly by grandparents who self-prescribe antibiotics (p<0.01). Jordanian mothers show satisfactory knowledge of pediatric antibiotic consumption, however, their knowledge of complications is not sufficient. Antibiotic self-prescribing is identified mainly in families with lower income and less antibiotic knowledge, therefore these families should be identified and targeted in antibiotic awareness campaigns.