Korean J Clin Pharm.  2023 Jun;33(2):106-112. 10.24304/kjcp.2023.33.2.106.

Analysis of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices for Safe Medication Use in Caregivers for Pediatric Patients

• Moon SJ
• Kim K
• Choi KH
• Rhew K

• KMID: 2544324
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.24304/kjcp.2023.33.2.106

Abstract

Background
The safe use of medication in children is important, as it can have significant implications for their health and wellbeing. Parents or caregivers play a crucial role in the medication administration process. Therefore, this study would evaluate the needs and current status (knowledge, attitude, and practice) of caregivers for children on the safe use of medication.
Methods
We conducted questionnaires on 150 caregivers with children under nine years old and asked about their knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding the safe use of medication and their needs. Each question was conducted on a 5-point scale.
Results
Of the 150 respondents, 128 were women, 75 were in their 30s, and 63 were in their 40s. Among them, 29 parents answered that they had been educated about the safe use of medicines, and 26 (84%) were satisfied with the education. Knowledge, attitude, and practice assessments on drug safety use (mean±SD) were found to be 3.83±0.44, 3.67±0.38, and 3.53±0.45, respectively. There were significant differences between the educated group and the uneducated group in knowledge and practice, not attitude.
Conclusion
To provide appropriate education to caregivers of pediatric patients is necessary to ensure the safe and effective use of medication in children. Moreover, appropriate education can improve caregivers' understanding of medication use and lead to proper administration. Therefore, it is imperative to develop educational materials and strategies for medications that incorporate both specialized knowledge and practical applications for pediatric patients.

Keyword

Attitude; knowledge; medication use; pediatric; practice