Attitudes and awareness of Australian women regarding peripartum antibiotic use: A multicentre survey

Background Peripartum antibiotics are commonly administered. Little is known of the attitudes of pregnant women toward peripartum antibiotics. Aim We aimed to assess the awareness of and attitudes toward peripartum antibiotic use in Australian women. Materials and Methods We surveyed post-partum women at three hospitals over six months. Women reported if they received antibiotics 48 h either side of delivery and responded to statements assessing attitudes to peripartum antibiotic use. Administered antibiotics were recorded. We reported the proportion receiving antibiotics and the proportion aware of receiving them. Participants responded on five-point Likert scales and selected side effects of concern. Results Participants responding were 248 of 299 (83%, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital), 56 of 106 (53%, Caboolture Hospital) and 17 (Redcliffe Hospital, denominator not recorded). Of 183 (57%) receiving antibiotics, 134 (73%) received them pre-delivery only, 18 (10%) post-delivery only and 31 (17%) pre- and post-delivery. Pre-delivery, the most common indication was pre-incisional prophylaxis for caesarean delivery (93 of 160 responses, 58%). Seventy-nine (51%, 156 responses) of those receiving pre-delivery antibiotics were aware. Of 49 women receiving post-delivery antibiotics, 36 (73%) were aware. Most agreed they were worried that pre-delivery antibiotics would affect their baby (198, 62%) and 160 (50%) were concerned about effects on their own microbiome. Most (204, 65%) agreed they would rather not take antibiotics while breastfeeding. Conclusion Many women were unaware of receiving pre-delivery antibiotics. Most had concerns about side effects. Improved communication regarding peripartum antibiotic use would improve patient-centred care.