Authors: Rudaina Hussain Alelyani , Mohammed Ahmed A. Alshehri , Mohammed AlQarny , Lama Zafi A. Aldrehan , Naif Abdulaziz M. Alqarni , Sami Mohammed A. Alaklabi , Lama Abdulaziz Alshahrani , Mashael Sharaf S. Alshahrani , Mohammed Thamer A. Alshahrani , Sultan Dhafer A. Alshehri , Zainab Ali Alalqam , Mohammed Mushari Alsueri ,

Abstract

Background: Ear infections are among the most common pediatric conditions worldwide and remain a significant public health concern. Parental knowledge plays an essential role in early recognition, management, and prevention of complications.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, between February and July 2025. A structured questionnaire was distributed to parents to assess their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) regarding ear infections. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 26.0; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were performed.
Results: A total of 370 participants were included in the study. Only 32.2% demonstrated adequate overall knowledge regarding pediatric ear infections. Awareness of treatment (98.9%) and prevention (93.8%) was high, whereas knowledge regarding causes (15.9%) and complications (26.2%) was limited. Positive attitudes and appropriate practices were reported by 89.7% and 79.7% of participants, respectively. A significant association was observed between knowledge and practice levels (p = 0.012), while no significant association was found between knowledge and attitude levels (p = 0.775). No significant associations were identified between knowledge and sociodemographic characteristics.
Conclusion: Despite positive parental attitudes and practices toward pediatric ear infections, overall knowledge regarding symptoms, causes, and complications remained inadequate. The significant association between knowledge and practice highlights the importance of improving parental awareness to promote appropriate healthcare-seeking behaviors and early management of otitis media. Targeted educational interventions are recommended to address persistent knowledge gaps and improve child health outcomes.

Keywords: Otitis media, pediatric health, parental knowledge, attitudes and practices, ear infection.