Background: This study explores parents’ understanding of antibiotic use and resistance in children with Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs) in Mosul city of Iraq. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire among parents. The research took place in December 2022 at a healthcare center in Mosul, northern Iraq. Results: In this Iraqi study, parents’ knowledge and attitudes toward antibiotics revealed important trends. Notably, 32.1% of participants believed antibiotics had no toxicities. Approximately 52% would treat their children with antibiotics based solely on fever, regardless of the underlying cause. Some parents (27.1%) used previously prescribed antibiotics without seeking professional advice. Uncertainty persisted regarding antibiotics’ appropriateness for viral infections, with 32% expressing less certainty and 26.3% remaining unsure. When specific symptoms like ear pain (65%) or vomiting (51.9%) occurred, parents anticipated the need for antibiotics. These findings emphasize the need for targeted education to promote responsible antibiotic use and combat resistance. Conclusion: This study highlights concerning gaps in parents’ understanding and behaviors related to antibiotic use for URTIs in Mosul, Iraq. Misinformation and misconceptions exist, including underestimating antibiotic risks and misconstruing their necessity for viral infections. Education initiatives and clear guidelines are essential to improve decision-making and public health outcomes in the region, addressing these knowledge gaps and promoting responsible antibiotic practices against resistance.
Najlaa Saadi Ismael*1, Abdulrazak Khalaf Abdulrahman2, Maha Atout3, Jaafar Atheer Ghazi4, Abdullah Abdulrazzaq Khalaf Al-Zamil5 (Sun,) studied this question.