Parental knowledge and common practices regarding acute respiratory infections in children admitted in a hospital in rural setting

CONTEXT: In developing countries, there is paucity of data regarding knowledge and practices of parents regarding acute respiratory infections (ARIs). AIMS: The present study was undertaken to study the knowledge and practices of parents for ARIs. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was a prospective, cross-sectional study conducted over period of 3 months in pediatric ward of a tertiary care teaching hospital. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: All the children admitted in pediatrics ward with complaints of ARI were included in the study. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Statistical analysis was carried out by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences software version 20. RESULTS: A total of 1,752 children were enrolled in the study out of which 885 (50.51%) were males and 867 (49.49%) were females. Only 42.6% of parents answered correct answers about the proper use of antibiotics for children with ARI. Most of the caregivers (58.4%) had poor knowledge about incomplete immunization as a risk factor for developing diseases like diphtheria and pertussis. Majority of caregivers (66.3%) practice home remedies by themselves. CONCLUSION: The knowledge of caregivers/parents regarding symptoms, risk factors, and complications of ARI was adequate. Better awareness is needed for safe use of antibiotics, and caregivers shall be encouraged to minimize indoor air pollution. More awareness is required for discouraging the practice of visiting quacks as it can lead to serious complications in the child.