Exploring Sociodemographic Factors Influencing Parental Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices towards Antibiotics in Malaysia

Background: Misuse of antibiotics among the general population, particularly parents, contributes significantly to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance. Understanding parental knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding antibiotic use is essential for guiding public health interventions. Objective: To explore sociodemographic factors influencing parental knowledge, attitude, and practice towards antibiotics in Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the state of Kedah, Malaysia, from June 2024 to December 2024. Data collection was conducted both online and in person. A total of 983 parents participated. Overall, knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were categorised according to Bloom’s cut-offs: high (80-100%), moderate (60-79%), and low (<60%). Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 26 and Jamovi version 2.3.28. Results: The overall median knowledge score was 13 (IQR=8-18), with 70.21% had moderate knowledge. The median attitude score was 32 (IQR=30-34), with 59.09% of participants having a negative attitude. The median practice score was 28 (IQR=24-33), with 61.18% at the moderate practice level. In multivariable regression analysis, adequate knowledge and a positive attitude were found to be associated with gender, race, age, number of children, education, monthly income, and residence. All of the patients’ features were associated with good practices except the number of children. Conclusion: Parental knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding antibiotic use were generally moderate in this convenience sample from Kedah, Malaysia; however, important misconceptions and inappropriate practices persist. These findings provide context-specific evidence that may inform the design of targeted educational interventions for parents with lower educational levels and those residing in rural areas in similar settings, rather than serving as nationally generalizable policy recommendations.