Knowledge and practices of paracetamol administration among mothers of children aged up to 5 years attending the child welfare clinics in Gampaha District

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Paracetamol is one of the most commonly used over-the-counter drugs. It is the first line treatment for both fever and mild to moderate pain such as headaches, dental pains, colds, post traumatic pain and muscle pain. OBJECTIVE: To describe the pattern of Paracetamol usage among mothers for their children aged up to five years in relation to practices and knowledge. METHODS: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in the child welfare clinics in Gampaha, Ragama and Negombo Medical Officer of Health areas of Gampaha District. A total of 382 self-administered questionnaires were collected in September from mothers of children up to five years of age. Data was entered in epidata software and analyzed using SPSS. RESULTS: Only one third administered the correct dose (37.1%) whereas majority administered according to the recommended frequency. The commonest indication was fever (99%). The syrup was the most popular form and the majority used measuring cups to obtain the correct volume (59.9%) Of mothers, 78.9% knew that Paracetamol can be toxic and of them, 34.4% were able to identify Paracetamol toxicity. There was a significance association between education level and the correct dose. CONCLUSION: Incorrect dosing of Paracetamol is common among mothers. Indications for use, frequency and use of suitable forms of the medicine are correctly practiced by the majority of mother. Education on use of Paracetamol should be frequently done for mothers through the public health system.