Parental awareness and practices of self-medication with antibiotics among hospitalized children : findings and Implications from a cross-sectional study

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Ul Mustafa, Zia and Khan, Amer Hayat and Salman, Muhammad and Harun, Sabariah Noor and Meyer, Johanna and Godman, Brian (2025) Parental awareness and practices of self-medication with antibiotics among hospitalized children : findings and Implications from a cross-sectional study. Advances in Human Biology. ISSN 2321-8568 (In Press) (https://doi.org/10.4103/aihb.aihb_30_25)

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Abstract

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global threat with an appreciable impact on morbidity, mortality and costs especially in low- and middle-income countries. The excessive use of antibiotics especially in ambulatory care is a primary factor increasing AMR. This includes the inappropriate dispensing of antibiotics without a prescription for essentially viral infections such as sore throats and coughs, which is prevalent in Pakistan. This needs addressing going forward to reduce AMR in the country. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among three district hospitals to extract data from parents of children up to 12 years concerning their awareness, practices and rationale of self-medication with antibiotics for their children. Results: 438 parents took part. The majority of parents were between 30 and 39 years (65.5%) and possessed secondary school education (28.5%). 27.6% stated they knew the name of at least one antibiotic, with the majority knowing the name of amoxicillin (33%) and co-amoxiclav (19%). The prevalence of self-medication for their children was high at 63% principally for self-limiting conditions including sore throats (27.1%), high fever (22.4%) and nasal discharges (20.9%) and a cough (17.7%). The three most commonly consumed antibiotics among their children were amoxicillin (33.6%), co-amoxiclav (18.1%) and azithromycin (15.2%). Common reasons for self-medication with antibiotics included similar signs and symptoms to before (42.6%) and financial constraints (39%). Increasing education levels and familiarity with the names of antibiotics were associated with higher antibiotic usage (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Self-medication with antibiotics among their children for essentially self-limiting conditions was common among parents. Appropriate corrective measures, including targeted educational initiatives, are urgently need to address ongoing concerns and associated rising AMR in this vulnerable population.

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