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Factors behind Antibiotic Therapy: A Survey of Primary Care Pediatricians in Lombardy

Author

Listed:
  • Pier Mario Perrone

    (Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
    Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy)

  • Marina Picca

    (Italian Primary Care Paediatrics Society (SICuPP), 20126 Milan, Italy)

  • Romeo Carrozzo

    (Italian Primary Care Paediatrics Society (SICuPP), 20126 Milan, Italy)

  • Carlo Virginio Agostoni

    (Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
    Pediatric Emergency Units, Fondazione Ca’ Granda Policlinico di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy)

  • Paola Marchisio

    (Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
    Pediatric Infectious Disease Units, Fondazione Ca’ Granda Policlinico di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy)

  • Gregorio Paolo Milani

    (Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
    Pediatric Emergency Units, Fondazione Ca’ Granda Policlinico di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy)

  • Silvana Castaldi

    (Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
    Quality Units, Fondazione Ca’ Granda Policlinico di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy)

Abstract

Background: Antimicrobial resistance represents one of the most significant future health challenges in terms of both clinical and economic impacts on healthcare systems. The reason behind this issue is the misuse of antibiotics for the treatment of non-bacterial pathologies. The objective of this study is to investigate the factors underlying antibiotic prescription in pediatricians in the Lombardy region. Methods: The study was conducted by means of a 32-item questionnaire that investigated both pediatricians’ knowledge of antimicrobial resistance and the factors determining the choice to prescribe antibiotic therapy. Results: A total of 253 pediatricians participated in the survey. Most participants (71.6%) reported as highly relevant the need for a national plan against AMR. However, approximately half of the respondents declared the phenomenon of AMR as uncommon in pediatric settings. Among the identified associated factors, diagnostic uncertainty was associated with a stronger fear of legal repercussions and the influence of parental pressure when prescribing antibiotics. Conclusions: The inability to diagnose the bacterial origin of an infection might be the primary driver of prescribing choices, rather than other non-clinical factors, such as parental demands or a fear of lawsuits.

Suggested Citation

  • Pier Mario Perrone & Marina Picca & Romeo Carrozzo & Carlo Virginio Agostoni & Paola Marchisio & Gregorio Paolo Milani & Silvana Castaldi, 2024. "Factors behind Antibiotic Therapy: A Survey of Primary Care Pediatricians in Lombardy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(8), pages 1-10, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:8:p:1091-:d:1458674
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Maurizio Lecce & Pier Mario Perrone & Silvana Castaldi, 2022. "Tdap Booster Vaccination for Adults: Real-World Adherence to Current Recommendations in Italy and Evaluation of Two Alternative Strategies," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(7), pages 1-9, March.
    2. Pier Mario Perrone & Giacomo Biganzoli & Maurizio Lecce & Emanuela Maria Campagnoli & Ambra Castrofino & Andrea Cinnirella & Federica Fornaro & Claudia Gallana & Francesca Maria Grosso & Manuel Maffeo, 2021. "Influenza Vaccination Campaign during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Experience of a Research and Teaching Hospital in Milan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-13, May.
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