Background: Worldwide the practice of self medication among mothers for their
children has been reported to increase daily. The use of available medication
without doctor`s prescription can lead to its inappropriate use and serious adverse
drug effect leading to poor health consequences for children. The aim of this
present study is to assess the self-medication practices among mothers having
children under-five years. A descriptive research design was utilized for this study.
The study was conducted at the Out-Patient department of Alexandria University
Children's Hospital (AUCH) at EL-Shatby. The study sample comprised 400
mothers having children under-five years. One tool was used for data collection:
Self medication practice of mother having children under-five years structure
interview schedules. Results of the present study revealed that about two thirds of
the study subject did not consult the pediatrician regarding common health
problems specifically in cases of cough, vomiting, diarrhea and fever. There was a
statistical significant association between mothers educational levels, work,
residence, socio-economic level and number of children with the tendency to self
medicate their child. Conclusion: the results of this study concluded that, more than
two thirds of mothers self medicated their children without doctor consultation
regarding common health problems in case of cough, vomiting, diarrhea and fever.
In addition, one third of the mothers self medicated their children even with doctor
consultation. Recommendations: The study highlights the need for an educational
program, workshops and videos/booklets to improve mother practice regarding
medication dose according age and weight of child by doctor consultation and
educate the mothers about harmful impact of self medication practice on health
consequences of children less than five years. Policy should be developed for
advertisement of drugs to include discouragement of practice of self-medication