A qualitative exploration of parental perspectives and behaviors on self-medication for children under five in Abbottabad, Pakistan.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Children are more susceptible to irrational medication and its short- and long-term health consequences. This study investigated parents' perceptions and behavior regarding self-medication of their children under five years of age in city Abbottabad, Pakistan.

Methods

Non-probability convenient random selection was used to select participants for this qualitative study. In-depth interviews were conducted with 40 parents who self-medicate their children, utilizing audio recordings and note-taking as the methods for data collection. N-Vivo 11.0 was used for thematic analysis and data has presented according to COREQ checklist.

Result

The majority (45%) of parents were aged 25-35 years, while 35% had primary education. Of the 40 parents (18 females, 22 males)

SUBMITTER: Haq IU 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12040883 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature