Changes in knowledge regarding antibiotic useamong mothers of children with acute respiratory infectionsafter a health education intervention at Ha Dong General Hospital

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the changes in knowledge regarding antibiotic use among mothers of children with acute respiratory infections treated at Ha Dong General Hospital after a health education intervention. Methods: An educational intervention study was conducted on 145 mothers of children with ARIs at Ha Dong General Hospital from February to May 2025. Data were collected using a validated assessment tool for maternal knowledge on antibiotic use, which demonstrated a strong Content Validity Index (CVI = 0.86) and high reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.945). Results: Before intervention, maternal knowledge was notably limited, with only 33.1% of participants demonstrating adequate general knowledge about antibiotic use. After intervention, this proportion significantly increased to 100% at both post-intervention assessments (T2 and T3). The mean score for general antibiotic knowledge improved from a baseline of 14.41 ± 1.39 (T1) to 18.81 ± 0.49 immediately post-intervention (T2), and this high level of knowledge was sustained prior to discharge at 18.71 ± 0.58 (T3), with statistically significant p < 0.05. Conclusion:Maternal knowledge regarding antibiotic use was initially inadequate but showed marked and sustained improvement following the health education intervention (p < 0.05). Nurses should proactively educate and regularly verify mothers’ understanding of antibiotic administration throughout the clinical care process