Abstract:
Background: Even though paracetamol is generally considered safe when used according to
recommended doses, studies have identified it as a common cause of unintentional overdoses in
children under five years. Studies emphasize the need for educational interventions to enhance
comprehension and adherence to proper practices among caregivers regarding the administration
of paracetamol in pediatrics.
Objective: To assess the impact of patient information leaflet (PIL) on improving the knowledge
and practice of caregivers on the administration of paracetamol syrup in pediatrics
Methods: An educational intervention utilizing a PIL was implemented within the Walasmulla
Medical Officer of Health area in Hambanthota district, Sri Lanka. The effectiveness of this
intervention was evaluated using pre and post-test questionnaires to measure the impact on
participant knowledge and practices. One score was given to each correct response. Scores of pre
and post tests were compared for knowledge and practice by paired sample t-test.
Results: Two hundred and ninety-five caregivers participated (87.1% females) in this study.
Mean±SD age of the participants were 36±8.5 years. There was a significant improvement in
knowledge (p<0.05) and practice (p<0.05) of paracetamol usage of caregivers after the
intervention. (Mean difference of scores of pre and post-test, knowledge = 4.793±1.427, practice =
1.396±0.988). Identifying pain (57.6%), fever detection (36.9%) as indications, liver damage as a
side effect (58.3%), selecting the standard recommended dose (96.2%), and daily frequency
(39.6%) of paracetamol were improved correctly under the knowledge domain. Deciding the
correct dosage form (15.6%), determination of correct dose (26.7%) and appropriate storage
(42.0%) of paracetamol were improved under the practice domain. In total, 34.2% of participants
were encouraged to refer PIL as an information source when deciding dose for pediatrics under
five years old. All the participants were aware of using standard measuring devices and measuring
cup (96.9%) was the most popular measuring device among them.
Conclusions: The implementation of a PIL has shown to enhance both knowledge and practice of
participants. By educating caregivers about selecting the appropriate dosage form and weight
specific dosing, the risk of both overdosing and under dosing paracetamol in pediatric patients can
be minimized.
