Objective  To understand the current status of knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding self-medication for children among parents in Xiamen and analyze its influencing factors, to provide a reference for improving the safety of medication use in children at home.

Methods  Using a convenience sampling method, a questionnaire survey was conducted via the Questionnaire Star platform among 500 parents of pediatric outpatients who visited the Children's Hospital of Fudan University at Xiamen from March to May 2023. Univariate analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were used to explore the factors influencing parents' KAP regarding self-medication for their children.

Results  A total of 482 valid questionnaires were collected, with an effective response rate of 96.40%. The average scores of parents’ knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding self-medication for children in Xiamen were (7.45±1.58), (7.65±1.18), and (24.11±3.38), respectively. The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that parental residence, education level, and occupation were the primary factors influencing parents' medication knowledge (P<0.05). Children's age, parental education level, and occupation were the main factors affecting parents' attitude towards medication (P<0.05). Children's age, parental gender, education level and occupation were the key factors influencing parents' medication practices (P<0.05).

Conclusion  The overall KAP level of parents in Xiamen regarding self-medication for children is relatively good. However, there are still common cognitive misunderstandings and behavioral risks. It is necessary to promote layered and precise health education and medication guidance through multi-party collaboration among the government, medical institutions, communities and families to comprehensively enhance the safety of self-medication for children at home.

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