Pharmaceutical use for common cough and cold inunder-five children

Abstract

Introduction: There is a burgeoning epidemic of antibiotic resistance in low-income countries, and pharmaceutical use is on the rise even in rural areas. It is important to understand how caregivers and drug sellers use pharmaceutical medicines in treating the common cold and cough in under-five children. Methods: The researchers interviewed caregivers and drug sellers, observed drug sellers’ practices, and conducted social mapping with caregivers in Bagnibari, a village transitioning to a peri-urban area in Savar, Bangladesh. Results: Researchers found that caregivers use pharmaceutical medicines extensively in treating the common cold and cough and that drug sellers recommend the use of pharmaceutical medicines. However extensive antibiotic use was not found. Drug sellers gave instructions on the use of the pharmaceutical medicines that caregivers followed, and caregivers considered drug sellers their main source of information. Drug sellers said they had completed a governmental training course. Conclusion: Because some caregivers perceived drug sellers as uneducated and there is no follow-up training, visible knowledge dissemination should be started with drug sellers. Medicalization and urbanization are impacting the treatment of the common cough and cold of under-five children.