Aaron Alejandro
Drug Resistant Infection Research
‘Influencing Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness of Parents with Young Children: A Social Marketing Approach’
Murdoch University, WA
Awarded 2019
Co-funded by Rotary Club of Applecross
“I want to be a part of creating solutions in this area specifically the lack of common knowledge and inappropriate behaviour of the public towards antibiotics.”
Researcher Profile
“A registered nurse originally from the Philippines with ten years of working experience in the Philippines, New Zealand and Australia. Presently I am teaching Clinical Research and Safety Perspective at the School of Nursing in Murdoch University whilst also working as a registered nurse at Fiona Stanley Hospital and as a Clinical Nurse Facilitator.
“This year I will be finishing my Masters of Health Administration Leadership in Polices at Murdoch University. I have been always interested in emerging health issues and particularly interested in antimicrobial resistance, nursing workforce and migrant health.”
Mr Alejandro was named as the winner of the Consumer Award for Best Poster at the 2019 Child Health Symposium, Perth Children’s Hospital. With more than 80 entries, Aaron’s Poster Abstract ‘Influencing Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness of Parents with Young Children: A Social Marketing Approach’, was selected by consumers from the Consumer and Community Health Research Network.
Project Summary
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most important global threats to human health and results from overuse and inappropriate use of antibiotics in humans and animals in all parts of the world. Resistant organisms are developing rapidly in local communities. There is a great need to increase public awareness about the threats and ways to control antimicrobial resistance in the community.
Factors such as education level of the healthcare professional and the patient, media influences, policy approaches including guidelines, drug availability and accessibility, culture which includes habits and behaviours, doctor-patient relationship and trust among health professionals (Mohrs, 2015). Zolali and Hanafi (2011) found out that parents not only influenced the doctors to prescribe antibiotics but also had substandard perception towards antibiotic use. The use of antibiotics was also determined by doctors’ level of experience and parents’ educational level and work status. Another study found out that level of education and income of parents did not show meaningful correlation with the correct usage of antibiotics. However, higher education of parents leads to increased confidence with their physicians (Bayram et al., 2013).
The project will carry out an in-depth social research to assist with understanding community attitudes to health, their relationships with health providers and use of antibiotics. A mix of online surveys, person-to-person interviews and focus groups will monitor progress and gain deeper understanding about AMR beliefs in the community. The first stage of the project will focus on understanding the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of parents with young children and their interactions with health professionals regarding antibiotics
Supervisors: Dr Mieghan Bruce, Dr Cheryl Leo & Dr John Edwards.