Year: 2025 | Month: December | Volume: 12 | Issue: 12 | Pages: 132-141
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20251214
Assessment of Parental Knowledge and Practices Following Educational Intervention on Pediatric Respiratory Tract Infections: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Tertiary Care Setting
Dr. Sabarinath H1, Jabeja Sujan N K1, Rosch Ha Shanna G Kharmalki1, Theresa Cyriac1, Dr. N K Kalappanavar2
1Department of Pharmacy Practice, Bapuji Pharmacy College, Davangere 577004, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka, India
2Department of Paediatrics, SS Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Davangere, Karnataka, India
Corresponding Author: Dr. Sabarinath H
ABSTRACT
Background: Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are a leading cause of childhood morbidity and mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Despite most RTIs being viral and self-limiting, irrational antimicrobial use remains widespread, driven by parental misconceptions and practices, thereby contributing to antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Objective: To evaluate parental knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding antimicrobial use in paediatric RTIs and assess the impact of a structured educational intervention.
Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted from February to July 2024 among parents of 150 children (aged 0–12 years) admitted with RTIs in a tertiary care centre in Karnataka, India. A validated KAP questionnaire was administered before and after providing a Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) and Drug Information Leaflet (DIL), followed by structured counselling. Data were analysed using paired t-tests and Chi-square tests.
Results: Significant improvements were observed post-intervention: mean knowledge scores increased from 2.34 to 4.62, attitude scores from 2.79 to 3.63, and practice scores from 0.89 to 1.45 (all p<0.001). The PIL and DIL were rated highly acceptable and comprehensible by all participants.
Conclusion: A simple, low-cost educational intervention effectively improved parental KAP regarding antimicrobial use in paediatric RTIs, offering a scalable approach to promote rational antibiotic use and mitigate AMR.
Keywords: Respiratory tract infections, antimicrobial resistance, Parental knowledge, educational intervention, Antibiotic use
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