Parents’ knowledge and choice of Paracetamol dosing forms to their children: Impact on Paracetamol recognition, and toxicity

Supervisor:

Dr. Saed Zyoud 

Abstract: 

Background: Paracetamol (also known as Acetaminophen) is one of the most common antipyretic and analgesic over-the-counter (OTC) medicines administered to children due to its affectivity and safety and is available in many pharmaceutical forms including suppositories, syrups and drops. Overdosing may cause dangerous side effects and toxicity leading to hepatotoxicity and liver failure in patients at risk for hepatotoxicity.

Aim of the study: The study was designed to assess parents’ Knowledge, and Practices  regarding Paracetamol dosing, toxicity, and recognition of Paracetamol-containing products, and to explore parents’ usage of Paracetamol for 0- to 6-year-old children to determine what form of Paracetamol they use and the reasons for their decision to use that form.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among parents whose children were enrolled and presented for health care at primary health care clinics in the Nablus region of Palestine. Data were collected using structured questionnaire interviews with parents. The questionnaire consisted of ‘yes/no’ responses and multiple-response questions. Descriptive statistics were used.

Results: The caregivers of a total of 300 children were included in the study. The proportion of caregivers surveyed who were mothers was 87.7%. Half of caregivers (50.9%) had used Paracetamol commonly as anti pyretic in children under the age of six. (25%) preferred syrup while 34% preferred suppository dosage form. Medical personnel was the primary source from which half caregivers had received medication information (51.2%) (23%) of caregivers stated that Paracetamol overdose hadn’t caused damage and (26.1%) didn’t know if it had. A lot of caregivers did not know the side effects resulting from an overdose of Paracetamol and when they were asked to identify the possible damage, only 28.8% mentioned liver failure 26% were unsure whether a maximum dose existed.( 81.6%) had three points or less out of six, regarding knowledge of Paracetamol administration, dosing, and toxicity.

Conclusions: Deficiencies were found in patient knowledge regarding Paracetamol dosing, recommendations, and its potential for toxicity. Basic information is needed to design appropriate parental education and to ensure that all patients receiving Paracetamol products are counseled appropriately.

Keywords: Knowledge; Paracetamol; Practice; Children; Parents; Overdose