Parents' knowledge and choice of paracetamol dosing forms in 3- to 6-year-old children.
Paracetamol is one of the most common medicines administered to children and is available in suppositories, mixtures, drops and tablets. Orally administered paracetamol is more rapidly and completely absorbed and is, in general, more acceptable to children. In Iceland, the most common route of paracetamol administration is per rectum. The purpose of the study was to explore parents' knowledge and usage of paracetamol for 3- to 6-year-old children. Parents (n = 103) of children in four playschools in Reykjavík participated in this survey research. Paracetamol was most commonly administered via suppository. Some parents were unaware of oral forms of paracetamol and had been advised by doctors, nurses or pharmacy staff to use suppositories. This study provides basic information needed to design appropriate parental education in pain and fever management.
Helgadóttir
Helga Lára
HL
Faculty of Nursing, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland. helgalar@hi.is
Wilson
Margaret E
ME
D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000285:Administration, Rectal; D000328:Adult; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002755:Choice Behavior; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006701:Home Nursing / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007055:Iceland; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D020380:Needs Assessment; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D000082:Acetaminophen