Percepciones sobre infecciones respitatorias agudas, gravedad y tratamiento en responsables del cuidado de niños menores de cinco años

Abstract

Background: Most children have between four and six respiratory tract infections acute each year and represent a significant proportion of visits to primary care physicians. Although the cause is predominantly viral, antibiotics are frequently prescribed which may contribute to the appearance of resistant bacteria. Objectives: To determine the perceptions of caregivers of children under five years old on acute respiratory infections, its severity and its treatment. Methodology: A descriptive study in Health Center # 1; there were included 250 caregivers of children under five years old attending the Health Center in March 2010 and signed informed consent. Frequencies, percentages, mean, standard deviation, chi square and Fisher's test for variable association. Results: Most participants were female (94.8%). Caregivers who had literacy over 13years studies indicated that the ARI was caused by infection (15.2% vs. 7.23% on average), and those who did not finish primary school (<7 years of schooling) unknown causes (22.2% vs 6.2% average) (p <0.05). 42% indicated that the necessary treatment were the antibiotics and if the caregiver's education level was high, they said they did not need antibiotics (59.2% when they have 11 through 13 years of schooling and 63% when they have over 13 years schooling versus 50.2 % on average) (p <0.01). A 72.69% completed the antibiotic treatment when the physician prescribed and whether the level of education was high (over 13 years) completed the treatment in 88.4% (p <0.05). Conclusions: There is little knowledge of the caregivers of children on ARI, its treatment and its severity, being the most consistent variable in association with antibiotic use the education level of the mother.