Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 21, 2026

A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings
Published on: November 9, 2016
Caregivers' understanding of pediatric medication in central Malawi
Eriko Sasaki1, Yasuhiko Kamiya2
1Graduate School of International Health Development, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan.
Objective:
To investigate caregivers' understanding of prescriptions of antibiotics and antimalarials for children in Malawi.
Method:
A cross-sectional study using interviews with 513 caregivers was undertaken in three different medical settings in two districts in Malawi for their understanding of medication defined as comprehension of dosage, frequency and duration immediately after receiving medicine, and its association with their sociodemographic characteristics.
Results:
Nearly half (49%) of the caregivers understood medication on the day of prescription. Understanding varied by type of drug. Sixty-five percent understood medication for antimalarials, LA (lumefantrine and artemether), while only 38% understood medication for amoxicillin syrup. Multivariate analysis showed that caregivers with higher education and older children had greater understanding.
Conclusions:
Caregivers' understanding of pediatric medication was differentially related to kinds and types of medicine as well as their education level. The instruction to caregivers on how to administer medication should be evaluated especially when they are less educated.
Related Concept Videos
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism
Drug Dosing: Infants and Children
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution
Factors Affecting Drug Response: Overview

