Insights into Parental Behavior: Self-Medication Patterns with antibiotics for Child Health

Abstract

Objectives: The alarming trend of self-medication with antibiotics in children, exacerbated by factors such as easy access to medications and insufficient awareness of the consequences, presents a critical health concern. This study aims to understand the behavior of parents on self medicating their children with antibiotics. Methods: A cross-sectional study was done in the community under UHTC of IGIMS, Patna among 173 parents having children <12 years of age for a period of 12 months. Participants were selected through simple random sampling and were interviewed using a questionnaire developed by the authors. Data were compared using logistic regression and presented with odd ratios and confidence intervals. Result: Prevalence of self medication was 31.8% in this study. Higher prevalence was seen among mothers, parents between 30-39 years, graduates (p = 0.001), having family income 20000-40000, housewives and those who do not have Ayushman card. Mothers, parents ≥40 years, having Secondary/ Higher secondary education, not having Ayushman card and those having childs age of 7-9 years normally stop giving antibiotics when their child start feeling better. Whereas postgraduates parents (p = 0.000) and participants having family member in medical field were seen keeping antibiotic stock at home for later use. 39.9% parents could identify antibiotics correctly. Majority of the parents wait for 1-2 days before starting antibiotic. Most common reason for self medication was minor illness followed by previous experience with similar symptoms. Conclusion: Lack of essential knowledge about medicines among parents is a serious matter particularly when children are concerned. Interventions targeted at improving awareness about antibiotic misuse, resistance and adverse effects amongst parents involved in self-medication need to be implemented on large scale. Keywords: Self-medication, Antibiotic, Children, Parents, Behavior