Assessment of Parental Knowledge in Using Over the Counter and the Prescribed Medications for their Children

Abstract
Background: Children are the most vulnerable population and are dependent on their parents for medication administration. The term Over-the-counter drug refers to a medication that can be purchased without a medical prescription. In contrast, prescription drugs require a prescription from a healthcare professional. Aim of the study: To assess parental knowledge in using OTC and the prescribed medication for their children. Design: A descriptive design was utilized to conduct this study. Setting: this study was conducted at the pediatric outpatient clinic, and inpatient units at El-Demerdash Hospital affiliated to Ain-Shams University Hospitals. Subject: Purposive sample of 200 parents. Tool: One tool was used for data collection: A structured interviewing questionnaire to assess the parents’ knowledge of using OTC and the prescribed medications for their children. Results: The majority of the studied subjects had a satisfactory knowledge level regarding the use of the prescribed medication, while only one-third had a satisfactory knowledge level regarding the use of OTC medication. About one-tenth of them had an unsatisfactory knowledge level regarding the use of the prescribed medication, while about three-quarters of them had an unsatisfactory knowledge level lregarding the use of OTC medication. Conclusion: The satisfactory level of knowledge had a positive impact on the parents’ using prescribed medications. Also, there is a knowledge gap regarding the proper use of OTC medications. Recommendations: There is a great need to educate parents to apply the principle of rational drug use thus obtaining economic and health benefits.