Parent’s Satisfaction Level without Antibiotic Prescription in Children with Clinical Diagnosis of Viral URTI

ABSTRACT Objective: Objective of this study is to assess parent satisfaction levels when healthcare providers do not prescribe antibiotics for children with clinical diagnoses of viral upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). Methodology: 200 children having ages between 6 months to 12 years, clinically diagnosed, as viral upper respiratory tract infections (based on clinical sign and symptoms) without respiratory distress signs were included. Structured questionnaire included items related to parent’s demographic information, their understanding of URTIs, their expectations regarding antibiotic prescriptions and their satisfaction levels with the healthcare provider's decision. A medical officer conducted face-to-face interviews of parents or guardian after their child's diagnosis and consultation with a Consultant Pediatrician, in a friendly atmosphere. Results: The average age of the children included in the study was 5.12 ± 2.93 years. There were 124 males (62.0%) and 76 females (38.0%). 18 participants (9.0%) reported being highly unsatisfied with the healthcare provider's decision not to prescribe antibiotics for their children's viral URTI. 152 (76.0%), expressed being unsatisfied, while 30 participants (15.0%) were satisfied. The majority of participants, 192 (96.0%), believed that antibiotics could help in the treatment of viral URTIs. Only a small percentage, 8 (4.0%), held the correct belief that antibiotics do not help in viral URTI. Conclusion: Majority of parents expressed dissatisfaction with the healthcare provider's decision not to prescribe antibiotics for their children's viral URTIs. Key words: Viral Upper respiratory tract infection, Antibiotics, Parental satisfaction