Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Antibiotic Use for Children Among Mothers Living in Islamabad

Abstract

Background: The escalating incidence of antibiotic resistance is a critical global health threat, disproportionately affecting developing nations like Pakistan due to the excessive and unnecessary use of antibiotics in children.

Aim & Objectives: This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding antibiotic use among mothers for their children under 10 years of age living in Islamabad.

Methodology: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted using purposive sampling, involving 246 mothers from various hospital outpatient departments and malls in Islamabad. Data were collected via a self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 23.0 to determine associations using chi-square tests.

Results: Among the 246 participants, 48.37% had poor, 46.34% had moderate, and only 5.28% demonstrated good knowledge of antibiotics. Regarding attitudes, 63.41% exhibited a satisfactory approach, while 51.22% showed good practices. A significant positive association was observed between maternal education and antibiotic knowledge (p = 0.050), and between knowledge and practice (p = 0.002). Additionally, 38.6% of mothers reported purchasing antibiotics without a doctor's prescription.

Conclusion: Significant misconceptions regarding the indications and use of antibiotics exist among mothers, alongside a prevalent lack of knowledge about antibiotic resistance. Despite some awareness of the associated risks, inappropriate practices like using unprescribed antibiotics persist.

Keywords: Antibiotic Resistance, Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, Mothers, Pakistan, Self-medication.