Abstract:
Caregivers often use paracetamol in the management of pediatric illnesses without a clear rationale. This study evaluated the perception and practices of caregivers regarding the use of paracetamol in children in Southwestern Saudi Arabia. This study involved a cross-sectional design involving 373 caregivers of children under twelve. The questionnaire elucidated the reasons, usage frequency, and safe usage practices. Data were analyzed using SPSS, applying Chi-square tests and logistic regression. Most caregivers were in the age range of 31-40 years, and with intermediate education. Paracetamol was mainly used for fever, generalized pain and, diarrhea, with fewer opting for other self-care measures. Caregivers with primary or less education were more likely to perceive paracetamol as safe (AOR = 2.98 (1.3-6.73), p = 0.009) and less inclined to check warning labels (AOR: 0.11 (0.05-0.25), p < 0.001) and expiry dates (AOR: 0.063 (0.027-0.14), p < 0.001). The caregiver\'s education level significantly influenced the determination of treatment duration (χ2 = 21.58 (4), p < 0.001), dosage (χ2 = 30.70 (4), p < 0.001), and frequency of administration (χ2 = 17.77 (4), p = 0.001). In conclusion, inadequate health literacy can result in a lack of attention towards crucial safety information about pediatric paracetamol use. Hence, counselling initiatives should be undertaken to ensure the safe and effective use of paracetamol in children.
摘要:
护理人员经常在没有明确理由的情况下使用扑热息痛来治疗儿科疾病。这项研究评估了沙特阿拉伯西南部儿童护理人员对扑热息痛使用的看法和做法。这项研究涉及一项横断面设计,涉及373名12岁以下儿童的看护人。问卷阐明了原因,使用频率,和安全的使用方法。使用SPSS对数据进行分析,应用卡方检验和逻辑回归。大多数护理人员的年龄在31-40岁之间,和中级教育。扑热息痛主要用于发烧,全身疼痛,腹泻,更少地选择其他自我保健措施。受教育程度较低的照顾者更有可能认为扑热息痛是安全的(AOR=2.98(1.3-6.73),p=0.009),并且不太倾向于检查警告标签(AOR:0.11(0.05-0.25),p<0.001)和有效期(AOR:0.063(0.027-0.14),p<0.001)。照顾者的教育水平显著影响治疗持续时间的确定(χ2=21.58(4),p<0.001),剂量(χ2=30.70(4),p<0.001),和给药频率(χ2=17.77(4),p=0.001)。总之,健康素养不足会导致对儿科使用扑热息痛的关键安全信息缺乏关注.因此,应采取咨询措施,以确保儿童安全有效地使用扑热息痛。