Knowledge of hazards of antibiotics self-medication by mothers for tinder-fives in rural community of South-west Nigeria

Abstract

Background: In Nigeria, self-medication of young children is common. Children under the age of five are often sell-medicated with antibiotics because of their increased susceptibility to infections. Objectives: To assess mothers' knowledge on the hazards of antibiotics self-medication in a rural community of South-west Nigeria. Methodology: A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among 513 mothers selected through a purposive sampling technique from Koko community in Olodo, Ibadan between October and December, 2014. Data were collected using a semi structured interviewer administered questionnaire and analyzed with SPS S version 20. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test and logistic regression were done at 5% level of significance. Results: A very high proportion (96.5%) of mothers in this study practiced antibiotic self-medication for their children. Only 28.1 % were knowledgeable about the risks and side effects of antibiotic self medication. Chi-square test revealed that there was a significant association between respondents educational status (P< 0.05) and knowledge of the hazards. Mothers with no formal education were less likely to be knowledgeable compared to those who had tertiary education (OR=0.08 ; 95%CI= 0.02-0.57). Conclusion: High proportion s o f mothers lack adequate knowledge on the hazards of antibiotics self-medication. Mothers, particularly those with lower educational levels and young age need to be educated on the risks and side effects of this practice.