چکیده (انگلیسی):

Background:Acute otitis media is a common reason for antibiotic prescribing, despite strong evidence that antibiotics
provide minimal benefit. Studies have demonstrated that patients’ (or parents’) expectations of antibiotics often
influence general practitioners’ (GPs) decision to prescribe antibiotics, but few have explored parents’ expectations
of the management of infections in children, or which factors influence the development of these expectations.
This study aimed to explore parents’ knowledge and beliefs about the management of acute otitis media in
children.
Methods:Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 parents of children who had recently
presented to their GP with acute otitis media. Parents were recruited at childcare centres or playgroups in Brisbane,
Australia.
Results:Many parents did not have an accurate understanding of what causes acute otitis media. GPs were primarily
consulted for the management of symptomssuchaspainandfever.Othersspecifically wanted reassurance or
were concerned about hearing loss. Most parents assumed that antibiotics were the best treatment option. Parents’
perceptions about the best treatment were mainly based on their previous experience and the advice of the GP. Pain
relief medications, such as paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, were not considered by parents to
be sufficient treatment on their own.
Conclusion:There is discrepancy between parents’ beliefs and expectations of management of acute otitis media and
the evidence-based recommendations. This study provides insights into parents’ expectations of management of acute
otitis media, which may help inform clinicians about perceptions and misperceptions that may be valuable to elicit and
discuss.