Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Regarding Antibiotic Use for Children Under 5 Years Old Among Mothers in Rural Northern Vietnam

Pharmacy Practice

  • Ba Kien Tran1Department of Pharmaceutical Administration, Hai Duong Central College of Pharmacy, 324 Nguyen Luong Bang, Hai Duong 170000, Vietnam.
  • Thi Nhan Nguyen1Department of Pharmaceutical Administration, Hai Duong Central College of Pharmacy, 324 Nguyen Luong Bang, Hai Duong 170000, Vietnam.
  • Quang Loc Duyen Vo2Department of Health Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Can Tho University, Campus II, 3/2 Street, Can Tho 900000, Vietnam.
  • Thi Hai Yen Nguyen3Department of Drug Administration, Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 179 Nguyen Van Cu, Can Tho 900000, Vietnam.
  • Van De Tran4Department of Health Organization and Management, Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 179 Nguyen Van Cu, Can Tho 900000, Vietnam.
  • Duyen Thi My Huynh5Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 179 Nguyen Van Cu, Can Tho 900000, Vietnam.

Volume 22 Issue 3 Pages 1-9

DOI: 10.18549/PharmPract.2024.1.2995

Abstract

Background: The use of antibiotics in children is influenced by the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of caregivers, especially mothers. Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding antibiotic use for children among mothers with children under 5 years old in rural areas of northern Vietnam. Methods: This research utilized a cross-sectional descriptive design with a self-administered questionnaire targeting mothers with children under 5 years old in two communes in Hai Duong province and two communes in Hung Yen province. Data collection was conducted from March to April 2023. Chi-square tests and multivariable regression analyses were employed to explore the relationship between the demographic characteristics of mothers and their knowledge, attitudes, and antibiotic use behaviors. Results: The majority of mothers exhibited inadequate knowledge (86.2%), inappropriate attitudes (73.8%), and incorrect antibiotic use behavior (73%). Mothers with university-level education or higher had better knowledge (OR = 4.98; 95% CI: 2.58-9.64) and more correct behaviors (OR = 2.32; 95% CI: 1.31-4.13) in antibiotic use. Mothers with an income higher than 20 million VND exhibited more appropriate attitudes (OR = 5.74; 95% CI: 2.76-11.93) and more correct behaviors (OR = 6.33; 95% CI: 3.18-12.61) regarding antibiotic use. Conclusion: The majority of mothers possess incorrect knowledge, improper attitudes, and irrational antibiotic use behaviors. This calls for continuous interventions and collaborations between healthcare professionals and the community, particularly parents, to enhance the understanding of rational antibiotic use.

Keywords

  • knowledge
  • attitudes
  • behaviors
  • antibiotics
  • children
  • rural
  • mothers
  • Vietnam
Pharmacy Practice

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