Knowledge of Antibiotic Resistance and Treatment of Childhood Respiratory Tract Infections among Mothers in Moshi, Tanzania

Abstract

Abstract Degree Project, Programme in Medicine Title: “Knowledge of Antibiotic Resistance and Treatment of Childhood Respiratory Tract Infections among Mothers in Moshi, Tanzania” Author: Lovisa Svensson, 2019, Institute of Biomedicine, Gothenburg, Sweden Supervisors: Susann Skovbjerg (MD, PhD), Institute of Biomedicine, Gothenburg, Sweden. Florida Muro (MD, PhD), Community Health Department, Moshi, Tanzania Background: Antibiotic resistance is a major threat to global health. Respiratory tract infections (RTI) are among the most common reasons for requesting antibiotics. While pneumonia, the leading cause of death in children worldwide, demands antibiotic treatment, cold and flu, caused by viruses should not be treated with antibiotics. Lack of knowledge and incorrect antibiotic use accelerate the development of antibiotic resistance. Previous studies in Tanzania have shown that there are many misconceptions about antibiotics and how they should be used. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of antibiotic resistance and treatment of RTI among mothers to children under five years old in Tanzania. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during March and April in 2019, at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre in Moshi, Tanzania. A total of 182 mothers of children under five were interviewed, using a questionnaire. Results: A majority of the participants (72%) correctly answered that pneumonia should be treated with antibiotics. However, many participants (63%) also answered that cold and flu should be treated the same way. Furthermore, 89% of the mothers knew that amoxicillin was an antibiotic, but only 50% knew that penicillin was an antibiotic as well. One fifth (22%) believed that paracetamol was an antibiotic. A majority (84%) were familiar with drug resistance and about half of the mothers (57%) had heard of antibiotic resistance. The awareness of drug resistance was significantly associated with a higher educational level. Conclusion: Misconceptions of what conditions should be treated with antibiotics are common, and the awareness of antibiotic resistance is still poor. Educational strategies have to be taken into action to increase knowledge about antibiotics and antibiotic resistance, and to ensure rational antibiotic use.