Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Among Parents Regarding Antibiotic Use for Acute Respiratory Infections in Children: A Cross-Sectional Study

A study conducted at Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital in Chennai assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of 300 parents regarding antibiotic use for children with acute respiratory infections (ARIs). Results showed moderate levels of parental awareness and behavior, with sociodemographic factors such as education, income, place of residence, and number of children significantly affecting KAP scores. Parents with fewer children, higher education levels, lower income, and urban residence had better knowledge and practices. The study suggests the need for targeted health education programs to improve antibiotic-related knowledge and practices, particularly in rural, less-educated, and higher-income populations.