Over a third (36%) of surveyed parents incorrectly assume children always need antibiotics for ear infections, according to new research from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Ear infections are very common, particularly in children, and often get better on their own within 3 days although sometimes symptoms can last up to a week. Research shows that as few as 1 in 5 children are likely to require antibiotics to treat an ear infection, News Cover reports, citing the UK government's official website.
The UKHSA-led study, published in the British Journal of General Practice, surveyed over 500 parents across England whose children had experienced ear infection symptoms in the previous year. It was carried out as part of ongoing UKHSA work to identify opportunities to help reduce avoidable antibiotic use.
The survey found that most parents (74%) who consult a healthcare professional do so within 1 to 2 days of their child’s symptoms appearing.
Only around half (49%) of parents thought that most childhood ear infections can get better without antibiotics. A quarter (27%) were unsure.
The study also revealed gaps between what parents expected from consultations and what they received. Significantly more parents expected advice on whether their child needed antibiotics (43%) than actually received it (28%). Of those who consulted a healthcare professional, just over half (56%) reported their child was prescribed antibiotics.
