Mothers’ Experience of Antibiotic Treatment to Children with Respiratory Tract Infections in Moshi, Tanzania

Abstract

Introduction: Antibiotic resistance is a serious threat to global health, leading to prolonged illnesses, increased mortality and higher medical expenses. Inappropriate antibiotic use is accelerating antibiotic resistance development. Previous studies have shown that antibiotics are used irrationally in many countries, including Tanzania. Aim: To assess mothers’ experience of antibiotic treatment to children with respiratory tract infections. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during March and April in 2019 at Reproductive and Child Health Clinic at the referral hospital Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre in Moshi, Tanzania. The study population was 182 mothers of children under five years of age. A questionnaire was used for data collection. Results: More than half of the mothers (65%) said that the child had received antibiotics in the past year. The most common symptoms the child had the last time he or she received antibiotics were cough (87%), fever (70%), and stuffy/runny nose (70%). Approximately half of the children (46%) had rapid/difficult breathing, i.e. signs associated with pneumonia. The great majority (92%) received a prescription from a doctor/nurse, and 87% completed the last antibiotic treatment. Around one fourth of the mothers (27%) had antibiotic stocks at home. Conclusion: The results suggest that most mothers intend to use antibiotics rationally. Nevertheless, there seems to be a high level of antibiotic use and some children might receive antibiotics for non-bacterial conditions, such as common colds. Measures have to be taken to increase knowledge about antibiotic resistance and to ensure rational antibiotic use.