What question did this study set out to answer?

To describe how parents respond to and manage symptoms of ear infections in their children.

February 5, 2026Open Access

Parental health seeking behaviour, knowledge and expectations around ear infection symptoms in children

Key Points

To describe how parents respond to and manage symptoms of ear infections in their children.
Conducted an online survey of parents with children under 10 years old who had suspected ear infection symptoms
Collected data through retrospective self-report
Analyzed data using multivariable logistic regression to explore variables associated with healthcare consulting and antibiotic prescriptions
90% of parents consulted healthcare for their child's symptoms, typically within 1-2 days
Parents often perceived symptoms as mild (25.8%) or moderate (64.6%)
55.7% of those who consulted reported receiving an antibiotic for their child
36% of all parents believe antibiotics are always needed for ear infections
Factors influencing consultation included perceived severity, duration of symptoms, and impacts like missing work.

Abstract

Background An estimated half a million UK primary care consultations are due to middle ear infections annually. In children, ear infections are one of the most common reasons for antibiotic use. Aim To describe parents’ experiences and actions for their child’s ear infection symptoms. Design 74% consulted within 1-2 days. Perceived severity and duration of symptoms were associated with consulting. Parents were concerned about serious illness and the need for treatment. Other factors associated with consulting were missing work (AOR 4.8, 95% CI: 1.6 – 14.8), childcare impacts (AOR 3.1, 95% CI: 1.0 – 9.5) and fluid in child’s ear (AOR 3.9, 95% CI: 1.48 - 10.5). Of consultors (454/503), 55.7% reported receiving an antibiotic. Of all parents (503), 36% believed children always require antibiotics for ear infections. Conclusion Most parents consult for their child’s ear infection symptoms and are prompted by impacts on daily life and perceptions of risk and treatment needs. There are knowledge gaps, which if addressed, may help to reduce primary care consultations and antibiotic use by supporting parents to manage self-limiting ear infections in children.

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