# The Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Paracetamol and Ibuprofen Administration Among Saudi Parents in the Makkah Region

## TL;DR

This study examines Saudi parents' knowledge and practices regarding giving paracetamol and ibuprofen to children in Makkah, finding significant gaps and gender differences in proper medication use.

## Contribution

The study provides region-specific insights into medication administration practices and attitudes among Saudi parents in Makkah, highlighting gender-related differences in proper practices.

## Key findings

- Only 26.6% of participants identified baby weight as a factor in medication dosage.
- 47.1% of participants believed paracetamol or ibuprofen could harm the liver.
- Males demonstrated better medication practices compared to females.

## Abstract

Introduction

Paracetamol and ibuprofen, widely used for pediatric fever and pain, are safe when administered correctly. However, the caregiver's lack of understanding poses risks such as overdose. Addressing knowledge gaps is crucial due to reported variations in over-the-counter medication practices. "Fever phobia" underscores parental anxiety, stressing the ongoing need for research in this healthcare domain.

Methodology

This is a descriptive cross-sectional design targeting Saudi parents and caregivers from the Makkah region who have children aged 0-10 years. Data was collected via a self-administered validated online questionnaire in the Arabic language using a convenient sampling technique. The data was cleaned in Excel and analyzed using SPSS version 29 (IBM Inc., Armonk, New York).

Results

Our study included 449 parents and caregivers in the Makkah Region, of whom 337 (75.1%) were female, 179 (39.9%) were aged 18-29, and 425 (94.7%) were Saudi nationals. Knowledge assessment revealed gaps; e.g., only 86 (26.6%) identified baby weight as a dosage factor. Attitudes varied, with 152 (47.1%) associating paracetamol/ibuprofen with liver harm. Logistic regression showed no significant predictors for high-level knowledge, positive attitudes, or good practices, except for gender-influencing good practices (p=0.035, aOR=1.839). Significantly, males exhibited better practices regarding using of paracetamol.

Conclusion

Our study highlights knowledge gaps among parents and caregivers in the Makkah Region regarding pediatric fever management with paracetamol and ibuprofen. Attitudes varied, and gender significantly influenced good practices, with males demonstrating better adherence to the proper practice of managing children using paracetamol and ibuprofen.