Awareness, attitude and usage of probiotics for the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea among caregivers and HCPs in Poland: a cross-sectional study

Introduction
This cross-sectional study aimed at obtaining and analyzing data on awareness, attitude and usage of probiotics for AAD prevention in children among caregivers and doctors in Poland.

Material and methods
This was a self-administered survey of the children’s caregivers. The survey evaluated caregivers’ opinion on probiotics efficacy in AAD prevention, obtained data about probiotic preparations used and their source of recommendation. Probiotics were classified basing on ESPGHAN recommendations in AAD prevention.

Results
Probiotics were used in 99.4% (n = 456/463). 190 patients used recommended strains, 162 patients used preparations without proven efficacy. In 87% of cases (n = 397/456), probiotics were advised by doctors, out of which 56% were recommended strains. 32% of them had proven efficacy.

Conclusions
Our study showed a positive attitude of caregivers towards probiotics for AAD prevention. However, almost half of the preparations were without proven efficacy. HCPs education on the field of probiotics is warranted.