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  3. 14.The Factors Leading to Parental Self Medication of Antibiotics in Children
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14.The Factors Leading to Parental Self Medication of Antibiotics in Children

Huma Bashir Janjua1, Ammara Farooq3, Sadaf Haroon1, Taimur Khalil Sheikh, Hafsa Hashmi and Syed Saif Ur Rehman2

ABSTRACT

Objective: To determine the factors leading to parental self-medication of antibiotics in children.

Study Design: Descriptive Cross sectional study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Paediatrics of Al- Nafees Medical College and Hospital, Isra University Islamabad from June 2022 till November 2022.

Materials and Methods: In this study 100 children aged less than 12 years were enrolled who were administered antibiotics by their parents without consulting a doctor.  Parents were interviewed via pre designed structured questionnaire that was designed in English and translated into Urdu. We explored the factors that lead self-administration of antibiotics by parents to their children and parental understanding about disadvantages of irrational use of antibiotics.

Results: 30% parents were aware about disadvantages of irrational use of antibiotics. Most misused antibiotic was Cefixime which was used by 23.7% subjects. Most common cause of self-administration of antibiotic was fever (80.6%). Mothers started antibiotic in 65.6% cases. Educated parents were more involved in self-medication of antibiotics. 42% parents started antibiotic themselves as the previous child responded to same antibiotic in past. Most common source of antibiotic was previous prescription paper (43%).

Conclusion: Self administration of antibiotics by parents to children is quite common and is contributing to irrational use of antimicrobial agents which is resulting in antimicrobial resistance. Awareness regarding this issue should be spread among masses especially parents to prevent this global health hazard. More over effective policies should be made to limit easy access to antibiotics.

Key Words: Antibiotcs, self-medication, parents, children, irrational, resistance

Citation of article: Janjua HB, Farooq A, Haroon S, Sheikh TK, Hashmi H, Saif Ur Rehman S. The Factors Leading to Parental Self Medication of Antibiotics in Children. Med Forum 2023;34(1):60-63.