Assessing Parental Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Towards Antibiotic Use in Children: A Study in a teaching and training Tertiary Care Hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia

Background The inappropriate use of antibiotics in children remains a global concern, contributing to antibiotic resistance. This study aims to assess parents' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding antibiotic use in children at a tertiary care hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at Mogadishu-Somalia-Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Training and Research Hospital with 325 parent participants. Results 14.5% of parents knew antibiotics treat bacterial infections, while 35.1% believed antibiotics could treat viral infections. 64.3% thought antibiotics could be used for colds. 57.8% recognized penicillin as an antibiotic. 78.8% were aware of allergy risks, but 60.6% reported stopping antibiotics when their child felt better. Conclusion Significant gaps in parental knowledge and misconceptions about antibiotics were identified. Targeted educational programs are crucial to enhance awareness and promote responsible antibiotic use.