Prescribing Practice of Antibiotics Amongst Children; Physicians' Behavior and Knowledge

Irrational prescribing practice of antibiotics is an alarming threat which is associated with potential risk for patient as well as for whole community. The aim of this questionnaire based survey study is to assess the physicians' behavior and knowledge regarding the prescription of antibiotics. This study was conducted during January 2012 in Abbottabad, Pakistan. A sample of 120 physicians was selected by stratified sampling technique. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 16.0. Out of 120 physicians, 116 participated in the study. Out of 116 participants, 82.76 % prescribe antibiotics without any diagnostic test. A total of 81.9 % participants do not perform hypersensitivity test. Out of total, 12.93 % participants do not have any idea about microbial resistance. Furthermore, 81.03 % participants do not follow up patient compliance whereas 47.41 % do not consider cost effectiveness. Not a single participant consults a pharmacist during medication prescription. The prescribing practice in our findings is not in accordance with the rational prescribing guidelines.