Reported patients’ practices, knowledge and attitudes regarding common cold in the community: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Lack of knowledge and malpractice with regard to cold, associated symptoms and subsequent management of this illness increase the economic burden and impair patient-related outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge, practices and attitudes about the common cold and its treatment measures among the general public in different parts of Baghdad province, Iraq. Methodology: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 384 participants through an interview using a structured three-part questionnaire, consisting of 28 items assessing the demographic characteristics, practices, level of knowledge and attitude towards common cold. Results: A total of 384 participants were enrolled in this study. About 31.8% of the respondents stated that physicians were the most common source for the provision of education about the common cold and its management. Nearly 54.7% of the participants agreed that common cold is caused by a viral infection and 49.2% disagree about taking medications by the patient own-self without medical advice and the majority 61% agreed about taking medications from the community pharmacy. However, 40.6% of the respondents had negative attitudes regarding the use of antibiotics for common cold. There was a statistically significant difference towards common cold knowledge and attitude concerning education level (P = 0.02) and provision of proper education (P = 0.0001). Conclusion: The study revealed an acceptable level of knowledge and attitude about the common cold among the Iraqi community; however, there are gaps in the general knowledge about the use of antibiotics for the treatment of the cold.