Background and Aims
In the country of Georgia the main problem in the management of acute respiratory infections (ARI) in children is overutilization of medications, particularly antibiotics. We studied parents’ approaches in this regard.
Method
123 households in west part of Georgia were interviewed using specially designed questionnaires for parents. Information was obtained about demographic characteristics, child’s health status, including frequency of ARI, medication usage, and primary care visits.
Results
Of 123 children, the mean age was 3.05±2.65 years and 71 (57.7 %) were boys. The majority of children (44.2%) had 3-5 episodes of ARI per year, 39.2% had ≤2 episodes and 16.7% experienced ≥6 respiratory infections per year. Parents perceived as worrying symptoms: refusing to eat and drink in 33.7% cases, high temperature (>39ºС) in 28.3%, apathy/somnolence in 22.3%, vomiting in 12%, and convulsions in 3.6%. Only 3.3% of parents administered antipyretic drugs  at the temperature >38,5ºС,  the majority (79.3%) - at the temperature >38ºС, and the rest - at or below 37,5ºС. 50.4% of parents received phone consultation from private doctor, 36.8% brought their child to doctor’s office/clinic and others did not contact doctor. Drugs used by respondents in children for ARI were: antipyretics in 69.0%, antitussives in 24.1%, antihistamines 3.4 %, immunomodulators in 3.4%, nasal decongestants in 24.1 %. Finally, 10.8% of the parents reported starting antibiotics in case of fever without doctor’s prescription.
Conclusion
The gaps in parental knowledge of the management of ARI were identified. Further interventions are needed to improve parents’ attitudes during their children’s ARI.

PARENTAL APPROACHES AND MEDICATION USAGE IN CASE OF ACUTE RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS IN CHILDREN