Report examines overuse and misuse of antibiotics given to children

Research in the Northern Territory has explored a number of factors that contribute to a parent’s decision to give their children antibiotics in order to learn about their overuse and misuse.

The study, led by Charles Darwin University (CDU), found that parental decisions on the need for antibiotics for children living in remote or rural areas is predominately based on the advice of a personal network and out of fear.

Looking into the overuse and misuse of antibiotics allowed lead author and CDU PhD student Stephanie Marsh to examine drivers of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which is when microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi in the body defeat the drug designed to kill them.