Parents’ Management of Acute Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Children, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
Journal Title: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC STUDY - Year 2018, Vol 6, Issue 5
Abstract
Introduction: Although upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are usually self-limiting and numerous off-the-counter medications used have no effect on outcome (2), self-medication is quite common in the pediatric population, posing a great risk of inappropriate use and subsequently increasing the risk for mistreatment and adverse effects. Purpose: This study aims to comprehensively investigate the prevalence, practices, and factors associated with medicine use in the management of symptoms of acute URTIs in children aging 12 years or younger in Al Ahsa, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted among 344 randomly selected children. Data were collected from their caregivers using an online-based, self-administered questionnaire. Results: 65% of children had 1–3 episodes of URTI per year, followed by 24% who had 4–6 episodes per year. Although 13% of parents had no idea what their child was going through, 72% of children received treatment for these symptoms, in which 77% were prescribed by the doctor, followed by 16% guardian suggestion and 14% pharmacist. The treatment given was 76% antipyretics, 39% antibiotics, 34% decongestant, and 26% cough suppressants and antihistamines. The majority (79%) children took the correct dose for full duration; however, 20% did not. 50% of participants used more than one medicine at one time to treat their children URTI. Most of the children (91%) improved on using the medicines prescribed. 79% of parents are aware of the risks associated with taking drug without prescription and 91% consider that certain drugs should not be given to children. Surprisingly, 94% would take their child to doctor if they develop URTI, but 34% will advise a relative/friend to use certain treatments. Conclusion: The results obtained indicate good parents’ knowledge and practice regarding proper management of URTIs for the majority of participants.
Authors and Affiliations
Zainab Al Shuhayb, Sukainah Al Haddad, Khalid Al Yahya, Rabel Khawaja
Keywords
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