Parental knowledge, attitudes and practices on the use of antibiotics among their children in Jordan: a cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Background: Children are one of the most influential targeted age groups for diminishing the high and inappropriate use of antibiotics. Understanding how antibiotics are used in children requires apprehending the role of their parents in managing and using antibiotics for their children. This study aimed to investigate parents' knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding the use of antibiotics among their children in Jordan.

Methods: This is an online cross-sectional survey study that was conducted in Jordan between 20 April and 17 May 2025. Parents who had children between the ages of 1 and 12 years formed the study population.

Results: A total of 816 parents participated in this study. Participants aged 30-39 years (OR=1.58, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.47, p=0.045) and 40-49 years (OR=1.75, 95% CI 1.08 to 2.82, p=0.02) had significantly higher odds of better knowledge compared with those aged 20-29 years. Males showed lower odds of knowledge (OR=0.53, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.75, p<0.001) but higher odds of a positive attitude (OR=1.60, 95% CI 1.13 to 2.28, p=0.008) compared with females. Participants with postgraduate education had significantly better knowledge (OR=1.79, 95% CI 1.01 to 3.18, p=0.04) than those with high school education or less. Working in the medical field was strongly associated with higher knowledge (OR=2.45, 95% CI 1.49 to 4.03, p<0.001).

Conclusion: This study highlighted a moderate level of knowledge, attitudes and practices among parents regarding the use of antibiotics for their children, with some variation. Increasing awareness about antibiotic indications and the importance of consulting a doctor and following their instructions is imperative. Older age, higher education level, female gender and medical fieldwork were associated with better antibiotic knowledge. These findings may aid in developing strategies, approaches and programmes to improve parents' knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding antibiotics.