KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE ON ANTIBIOTIC THERAPY FOR PAEDIATRIC PATIENTS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE DENTAL STUDENTS A QUESTIONNAIRE SURVEY
Objective: The objective of this study is to understand the knowledge, attitude and practice on antibiotic therapy for paediatric patients among dental students. Methods: A self administrated questionnaire containing both open ended and closed ended questions was given to 100 participants. Questions were regarding the conditions for which they routinely prescribe antibiotics, commonly prescribed antibiotics, its dosage adjustments and form, duration of administration etc. The data was compiled and analysed. Results: Amoxicillin was found to be the most commonly prescribed antibiotic by the students followed by metronidazole. 14% of the students prescribe half the adult dose invariably for all paediatric patients, whereas 74% of them make their prescriptions based on the child's weight. 78% of the students reported that they are unsure about the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the antibiotics they are prescribing. 34% of the students reported that their knowledge on antibiotic therapy for paediatric patients is inadequate. Conclusion: Self evaluation by the students and results of the survey suggest that the knowledge on antibiotic therapy for paediatric patients is inadequate among dental students. There should be more emphasis on antibiotic therapy in the curriculum of undergraduate dental students.