Abstract
Background: Worldwide the practice of self medication among mothers for their children has been reported to increase daily. The use of available medication without doctor`s prescription can lead to its inappropriate use and serious adverse drug effect leading to poor health consequences for children. The aim of this present study is to assess the self-medication practices among mothers having children under-five years. A descriptive research design was utilized for this study. The study was conducted at the Out-Patient department of Alexandria University Children’s Hospital (AUCH) at EL-Shatby. The study sample comprised 400 mothers having children under-five years. One tool was used for data collection: Self medication practice of mother having children under-five years structure interview schedules. Results of the present study revealed that about two thirds of the study subject did not consult the pediatrician regarding common health problems specifically in cases of cough, vomiting, diarrhea and fever. There was a statistical significant association between mothers educational levels, work, residence, socio-economic level and number of children with the tendency to self medicate their child. Conclusion: the results of this study concluded that, more than two thirds of mothers self medicated their children without doctor consultation regarding common health problems in case of cough, vomiting, diarrhea and fever. In addition, one third of the mothers self medicated their children even with doctor consultation. Recommendations: The study highlights the need for an educational program, workshops and videos/booklets to improve mother practice regarding medication dose according age and weight of child by doctor consultation and educate the mothers about harmful impact of self medication practice on health consequences of children less than five years. Policy should be developed for advertisement of drugs to include discouragement of practice of self-medication
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