The overutilization of antibiotics during pregnancy and early life are associated with adverse health outcomes for mothers and infants. In this study, we explored pregnant women’s opinions and concerns of antibiotics and how perceptions may affect their health-related decision-making. We conducted 18 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with pregnant women and used the Health Belief Model (HBM) as a framework to analyze the data. We found that mothers generally understood the benefits of antibiotics and were aware that antibiotics are clinically effective for treating bacterial infections. Importantly, perceived barriers related to antibiotic use included concerns regarding the impact of antibiotics on breastfeeding efficacy, microbial health, and societal factors such as antimicrobial resistance. The prescription of antibiotics by a healthcare provider was a cue to action for women, as they trusted providers to recommend medications that were safe for them and their infants. Overall, mothers shared that receiving education on the effects of antibiotics would improve their self-efficacy and decision-making surrounding the use of antibiotics for treating illness. Implications for tailored perinatal health education interventions to enhance antibiotic use, knowledge, and decision-making are discussed.

中文翻译：

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孕妇对妈妈和孩子使用抗生素的观点的定性研究：对制定量身定制的健康教育干预措施的启示

怀孕和早年期间抗生素的过度使用与母亲和婴儿的不良健康后果有关。在这项研究中，我们探讨了孕妇对抗生素的看法和关注，以及知觉如何影响其与健康相关的决策。我们对孕妇进行了18次深入，半结构化的访谈，并使用健康信念模型（HBM）作为分析数据的框架。我们发现母亲通常了解抗生素的益处，并且知道抗生素在临床上可有效治疗细菌感染。重要的是，与抗生素使用相关的感知障碍包括对抗生素对母乳喂养功效，微生物健康以及社会因素（如抗菌素耐药性）影响的担忧。医疗保健提供者开出的抗生素处方是妇女采取行动的线索，因为她们相信提供者推荐对她们及其婴儿安全的药物。总体而言，母亲们认为接受有关抗生素作用的教育将提高他们的自我效能和围绕使用抗生素治疗疾病的决策能力。讨论了量身定制的围产期健康教育干预措施对增强抗生素使用，知识和决策的影响。