Abstract
Background: Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) influences stomach and gut and is one of the important popular troubles in infants and young children throughout the world. The causes of acute gastritis include medications as well as viruses such as rotavirus and enteric adenovirus. Rotavirus accounts for the many illnesses and is the most prevalent cause of acute diarrhea and also severe gastroenteritis in KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia). Aim: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of using antibiotics for acute viral gastroenteritis in the pediatrics population in AlmadinahAlmunawrah. Method: This was a prospective, quantitative, cross-sectional survey consisting of thirty questions. Responded questionnaire from 600 pediatric physicians of children under 6 years of age suffering from acute gastroenteritis in AlmadinahAlmonawarah. Data sources: Face to face questions from physicians.Results: demographic distribution of our study's data. 53.1% of patients were male. 54.5% of individuals were between 25-35 years. Family physicians and general physicians with 27.1% and 24.2%,respectivelywere the most constituents of the study specialty. Indications for treating acute viral gastroenteritis frequently. In 50.1% of individuals, the usage of antibiotics was to prevent secondary infection. From the viewpoint of the prevalence of the most common route preferred by the study individuals, oral and intravenous antibiotics were preferred by 51.9% and 28.7% of the participants, respectively. Treatment with antibiotics over a period of less than a week was prescribed in about 50.2% of the participants. Treatment over a period of 7-14 days was recorded by 39%. Summer was the most common season for viral infection endemics as stated by 64%. Winter was stated as the second most common season by 29.7%. Family physicians and general practitioners were mostly referred for the treatment of acute viral gastroenteritis (N= 134 and 120, respectively) followed by pediatric physicians (N=106). There was a statistically significant difference between specialties P-value (0.001). The universal indicator for prescription was to prevent secondary infection (50.1%). The second most common was "other". Therefore, there was a statistically significant difference between the answers (P-value =0.001). Conclusion: Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) is a common problem in the pediatric age group, especially in socioeconomic status countries. It may have bacterial or viral origin. Active treatment of diarrheal should always be considered, regardless of etiology. Empiric antibiotic therapy should be started soon after specimen collection in infants and children with severe conditions. In conclusion, it is very important to limit the use of unnecessaryantibiotics; there are situations in which drugs are mandate and life-saving. Copyright (c) 2013 - All Rights Reserved - Pharmacophore