The Importance of Parental Knowledge of Antibiotics

Oct 13, 2025 by magicalceylontours.com 130 views

Introduction

The use of antibiotics as a drug for infectious diseases has become increasingly widespread. Many people, especially parents, tend to take matters into their own hands by using antibiotics to treat various mild complaints such as fever, pain, coughing, influenza, heartburn, diarrhea, and skin diseases. However, the use of inappropriate antibiotics can lead to serious health problems, including side effects, economic losses, and the most alarming is resistance to antibiotics itself. Side effects of the use of antibiotics include allergic reactions, unusual reactions, and biological and metabolic changes in patients. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the level of parents' knowledge about the use of antibiotics in children, especially in the Darussalam Health Center.

The Importance of Parental Knowledge of Antibiotics

Parental knowledge of antibiotics is vital in ensuring the proper use of these medications. When parents have a good understanding of antibiotics, they are more likely to use them correctly, which can lead to better health outcomes for their children. On the other hand, a lack of knowledge can lead to the misuse of antibiotics, which can contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance is a significant public health concern, as it can make infections more difficult to treat and increase the risk of complications.

Research Methods

This study employed a descriptive method with a cross-sectional research design. The sample consisted of 97 respondents, who were parents who brought their children to the Darussalam Health Center. The study aimed to measure the extent of parents' knowledge of the use of antibiotics in their children.

Research Results

The results of the study showed that most respondents had a good level of knowledge, with as many as 57 respondents (58.8%) falling into this category. Meanwhile, 24 respondents (24.7%) had sufficient levels of knowledge, and 16 respondents (16.5%) had a lack of knowledge. This finding indicates a good awareness among parents about the use of antibiotics for their children.

Analysis and Discussion

The high level of parents' knowledge of the use of antibiotics at the Darussalam Health Center is noteworthy. This may be attributed to better health education, as well as counseling provided by medical personnel at the Puskesmas. This good knowledge is crucial, given the risk of antibiotic resistance that can occur due to improper use. This resistance not only endangers children but can also be a threat to overall public health.

However, even though the majority of respondents showed good knowledge, there was still a significant percentage of respondents who had less and sufficient knowledge. This shows that there is still room for improvement in an effort to increase parental knowledge about the use of antibiotics. Further counseling campaigns regarding the use of appropriate antibiotics are essential, especially to explain the risks associated with antibiotics carelessly.

Factors Contributing to Parental Knowledge of Antibiotics

Several factors may contribute to the level of parental knowledge of antibiotics. These include:

Health education: Parents who receive regular health education and counseling from medical personnel may be more likely to have a good understanding of antibiotics.
Access to information: Parents who have access to reliable sources of information about antibiotics may be more likely to have a good understanding of these medications.
Socioeconomic status: Parents from higher socioeconomic backgrounds may have better access to healthcare services and education, which can contribute to a better understanding of antibiotics.

Conclusion

Based on data analysis, it can be concluded that the level of parental knowledge of the use of antibiotics in children in the Darussalam Health Center is generally good. However, to maximize the benefits of antibiotics and minimize the risk of resistance, further efforts need to be made in counseling and health education for parents. Thus, the use of more appropriate antibiotics can be achieved, improve children's health, and protect overall public health.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Continued health education: Health education and counseling should be continued to ensure that parents have a good understanding of antibiotics.
Access to information: Parents should have access to reliable sources of information about antibiotics to ensure that they have a good understanding of these medications.
Socioeconomic support: Parents from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may require additional support to access healthcare services and education, which can contribute to a better understanding of antibiotics.

Q: What is the importance of parental knowledge of antibiotics?

A: Parental knowledge of antibiotics is vital in ensuring the proper use of these medications. When parents have a good understanding of antibiotics, they are more likely to use them correctly, which can lead to better health outcomes for their children.

Q: What are the risks associated with the misuse of antibiotics?

A: The misuse of antibiotics can lead to serious health problems, including side effects, economic losses, and the most alarming is resistance to antibiotics itself. Side effects of the use of antibiotics include allergic reactions, unusual reactions, and biological and metabolic changes in patients.

Q: What are the factors that contribute to parental knowledge of antibiotics?

A: Several factors may contribute to the level of parental knowledge of antibiotics, including:

Health education: Parents who receive regular health education and counseling from medical personnel may be more likely to have a good understanding of antibiotics.
Access to information: Parents who have access to reliable sources of information about antibiotics may be more likely to have a good understanding of these medications.
Socioeconomic status: Parents from higher socioeconomic backgrounds may have better access to healthcare services and education, which can contribute to a better understanding of antibiotics.

Q: What are the benefits of having a good understanding of antibiotics?

A: Having a good understanding of antibiotics can lead to better health outcomes for children, reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance, and improve overall public health.

Q: How can parents improve their knowledge of antibiotics?

A: Parents can improve their knowledge of antibiotics by:

Seeking health education: Parents should seek regular health education and counseling from medical personnel to improve their understanding of antibiotics.
Accessing reliable information: Parents should access reliable sources of information about antibiotics to ensure that they have a good understanding of these medications.
Participating in counseling campaigns: Parents should participate in counseling campaigns regarding the use of appropriate antibiotics to improve their knowledge and reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.

Q: What are the recommendations for improving parental knowledge of antibiotics?

A: Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Continued health education: Health education and counseling should be continued to ensure that parents have a good understanding of antibiotics.
Access to information: Parents should have access to reliable sources of information about antibiotics to ensure that they have a good understanding of these medications.
Socioeconomic support: Parents from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may require additional support to access healthcare services and education, which can contribute to a better understanding of antibiotics.

By implementing these recommendations, the level of parental knowledge of antibiotics can be improved, which can lead to better health outcomes for children and reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.