Kiến thức, thực hành về việc sử dụng kháng sinh của bà mẹ có con dưới 6 tuổi bị viêm tai giữa tại Bệnh viện Đại học Y Thái Bình, năm 2024

The escalating global challenge of antibiotic resistance poses significant threats to public health, leading to increased treatment failures, prolonged recovery, and higher healthcare costs. In Vietnam, the issue is particularly pressing, marked by widespread antibiotic misuse, often driven by easy access to over-the-counter medications and self-medication practices. Children under six years old, with their developing immune systems, are especially vulnerable to the adverse effects of inappropriate antibiotic use, including gastrointestinal disturbances and organ damage. This context underscores the critical need to understand parental behaviors. This study therefore aims to evaluate the knowledge and practice of mothers concerning antibiotic use in treating acute otitis media in their young children at Thai Binh University of Medicine Hospital in 2024, shedding light on areas for targeted intervention.

Healthcare professionals (pediatricians, general practitioners, pharmacists), public health policymakers, medical educators, and parents/guardians of young children.

The growing global crisis of antimicrobial resistance, particularly exacerbated by the widespread misuse of antibiotics, poses a significant public health challenge in countries like Vietnam. This problem is acutely relevant for pediatric care, as inappropriate antibiotic use in young children, such as those with acute otitis media, can lead to adverse health outcomes and contribute to the development of drug-resistant pathogens. Recognizing this critical issue, a cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 2024 at Thai Binh University of Medicine Hospital to assess the knowledge and practice of mothers of children under six years old regarding antibiotic usage. Utilizing structured questionnaires administered to 60 mothers, the study revealed a notable gap between awareness and behavior. While 60% of mothers demonstrated accurate knowledge about antibiotics, a considerably lower proportion, only 40%, consistently adhered to doctors' prescriptions. Furthermore, logistic regression analysis indicated a significant correlation between a mother's knowledge level and her antibiotic practice, suggesting that improved understanding can positively influence behavioral compliance. These findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive interventions. The study concludes by emphasizing the importance of enhancing public health education initiatives, implementing stricter regulations on over-the-counter antibiotic sales, and ensuring the provision of adequate professional medical guidance. Integrating targeted awareness campaigns with continuous medical counseling is crucial to mitigate antibiotic misuse, improve adherence to prescriptions, and ultimately combat the rise of antibiotic resistance, safeguarding child health.