Peer-reviewed article

Parental Self-Efficacy in Managing Pediatrics' Medications and Treatments in Jordan: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abdallah Y Naser, Hassan Al-Shehri · 12 Sept 2025

Abstract

Background: Parents make vital decisions regarding their children's health and safety. Poor parental self-efficacy is associated with unfavorable health outcomes among their children. This study aims to investigate parental self-efficacy in managing pediatric medications and treatments in Jordan. Methods: This is an online cross-sectional survey study that was conducted in Jordan between 20 April and 4 July 2025. Self-efficacy in managing medications and treatments for children was assessed utilizing a previously validated questionnaire, including healthcare information or decision-making, symptom identification or management, general treatment management, general healthcare navigation, and feeding management. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of a higher level of self-efficacy. Results: A total of 597 parents were included in this study. The majority of parents reported high levels of confidence (self-efficacy) in managing various aspects of their child's care. The highest proportion of parents indicated they were very confident in knowing when their child needs to visit a healthcare provider (35.2%) and in following their child's diet or nutrition plan (36.9%). Very confident was the most selected response for knowing how to contact healthcare providers (38.4%) and scheduling an appointment (37.0%). Higher income was strongly linked to greater self-efficacy, with parents earning 1001-1500 Jordanian dinars (JOD) showing significantly higher odds (odds ratio (OR) = 4.44, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.42-8.15, p < 0.001) compared to those earning less than 500 JOD. Parents working in medical fields also had higher odds (OR = 3.30, 95% CI: 1.69-6.45, p < 0.001) compared to those not working. Parents with 2-3 children (OR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.00-3.00, p = 0.049) or 4-5 children (OR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.05-3.63, p = 0.03) had greater odds of self-efficacy compared to those with one child. Conclusions: The majority of the parents in this study expressed strong self-efficacy in managing their child's care, specifically in healthcare-related tasks. Higher self-efficacy was significantly associated with parents' socioeconomic characteristics such as marital status, medical employment, income, insurance coverage, and number of children. At the same time, lower confidence levels and self-efficacy were observed among divorced parents. More support should be directed towards low-income families and parents who work outside the medical field to enhance their self-efficacy and ultimately the health outcomes of their children.