Evaluation of Multiple Factors in Pediatricians' Antibiotic Selection

Abstract

Objective: The pediatrics department frequently uses antibiotics. Understanding factors influencing antibiotic prescribing can enhance treatment success.This study aimed to explore these factors, highlighting their role in antibiotic selection and overall treatment effectiveness. Material and Methods: Primary data was used in the study. The scope of the research consisted of pediatricians working in Konya province and its districts. The sample size of the research was calculated according to the snowball sampling method. The sample size started by selecting a pediatrician who met the research criteria, and other pediatricians were reached with the help of the selected pediatrician. The pediatrician was told to recommend someone or people with the same characteristics. Thus, 50 pediatricians were reached in the study by using the sampling method in question. In this study, the opinions of experts working in public institutions and organizations were taken to determine the multiple factors in pediatric physicians' choice of antibiotics. The data obtained by the researchers by conducting a face-to-face survey of pediatricians on a voluntary basis was analyzed using the Entropy and TOPSIS method. Results:The first antibiotic agent preferred by the physicians was amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. While azithromycin was in the second place, clarithromycin was in the third place, the last two places were shared by cefdinir and cefixime. In the study, it was observed that the results obtained in terms of factors related to the physician and the parent were the same as the general results. While the results of drug-related factors, cost and reimbursement conditions were the same, azithromycin took the first place in these results. In all sub-solutions, the second-place option and the last two orders were the same. According to the sex of the physicians, the order of preferences of five male pediatric physicians was amoxicillin clavulanic acid > azithromycin > clarithromycin > cefdinir > cefixime, while 15 female physicians' preferences were determined to be azithromycin > amoxicillin clavulanic acid > clarithromycin > cefdinir > cefixime. Azithromycin was preferred first. Conclusion: Multiple factors influence both diagnosis and treatment, affecting antibiotic selection and improving treatment success.