Assessing Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Adults Aged 21-62 Regarding Antibiotic Use for Treatment of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Children: A multi-country Cross-Sectional Study
Vol. 67 No. 1 (2026), Health Promotion
Vol. 67 No. 1 (2026)

Assessing Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Adults Aged 21-62 Regarding Antibiotic Use for Treatment of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Children: A multi-country Cross-Sectional Study

Health Promotion
https://doi.org/10.82082/2421-4248/jpmh2026.67.1.3813
Published 2026-05-15
Mohamed K. Al-Haggagi
Tanta Student Research Association “TSRA”, Tanta University, El-Gharbia, Egypt
Elaf M. Mohamed
Tanta Student Research Association “TSRA”, Tanta University, El-Gharbia, Egypt
Amany R. Katamesh
Tanta Student Research Association “TSRA”, Tanta University, El-Gharbia, Egypt
Arwa Nasr
Tanta Student Research Association “TSRA”, Tanta University, El-Gharbia, Egypt
Marina Sartini
Department of Health Sciences, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
Rana M. Gharib
Tanta Student Research Association “TSRA”, Tanta University, El-Gharbia, Egypt
Menna A. Alhindawy
Tanta Student Research Association “TSRA”, Tanta University, El-Gharbia, Egypt
Amira A. Fayed
Tanta Student Research Association “TSRA”, Tanta University, El-Gharbia, Egypt
Eman M. El Nehrawy
Tanta Student Research Association “TSRA”, Tanta University, El-Gharbia, Egypt
Noha B. Mostafa
Tanta Student Research Association “TSRA”, Tanta University, El-Gharbia, Egypt
Sara R. Elsonbaty
Tanta Student Research Association “TSRA”, Tanta University, El-Gharbia, Egypt
Sameh Sarsik
Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
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Keywords

Upper respiratory tract infections
Parental knowledge
Antibiotic misuse+
Antimicrobial resistance
Self-medication

Abstract

Objectives. Antibiotic resistance is a growing global concern, often driven by inappropriate antibiotic use for viral upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in children. This study assessed parental knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward antibiotic use and identified influencing factors.

Study Design. Multi-country, cross-sectional, web-based study.

Methods. From July 2023 to June 2024, adults aged 21-62 years from 9 Arab countries completed a validated online questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression.

Results. Of 2,172 participants from 9 Arab-speaking countries, most were highly educated with healthcare backgrounds. While physicians were the main information source, misconceptions persisted-especially regarding antibiotic use for fever and earaches. Higher income and medical training were protective factors. Self-medication was common despite good knowledge.

Conclusion. Parental misconceptions regarding antibiotics in pediatric URTIs remain prevalent. Educational interventions and regulatory strategies are essential to improve antibiotic stewardship in Arab countries.

https://doi.org/10.82082/2421-4248/jpmh2026.67.1.3813
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