Date of Award

Spring 2007

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Audiology (AuD)

Department

School of Communication

First Advisor

Sheryl Shoemaker

Abstract

Antibiotic resistance is a rapidly growing problem throughout the world. Antibiotic resistance can be due to a number of factors, including unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions, antibiotic misuse, and transmission of resistant bacteria.

Otitis media is the most often diagnosed childhood illness and accounts for the majority of the United States' annual antibiotic prescriptions. Both parents and physicians can contribute to unnecessary antibiotic treatment for otitis media. Understanding parental views of otitis media and antibiotic treatment may help reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions and lead to the subsequent reduction in antibiotic resistance.

The purpose of this capstone project is to develop a questionnaire that effectively gathers information about parent/guardian views toward otitis media and antibiotic treatment. The population of interest for this pilot study is parents/guardians of children 2 to 5 years of age. Individuals of all ages, races, and backgrounds will be encouraged to participate.

The questionnaire was developed using a variety of items and response styles. The questionnaire items are broken into different categories/sections, including knowledge-based, opinion-based, behavior-based, and demographic. The respondents are provided with instructions for each section.

The questionnaires will be placed at South Arkansas Otolaryngology Associates, where parents/guardians will have the opportunity to complete them while waiting to see the physician. There will be a drop-box in the otolaryngology clinic for the participants to return the questionnaires.

The primary investigator will collect the completed questionnaires for analysis. The questionnaire data will be entered into a spreadsheet and analyzed using measures of central tendency. The results of the questionnaire can be used to determine the effectiveness of the study and can also be used to assist with future research.

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