Work

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of parents regarding intranasal corticosteroid use in children with allergic rhinitis

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Effective management of pediatric allergic rhinitis (AR) depends on correct intranasal corticosteroid (INCS) use, the efficacy of which is highly technique-dependent. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of parents administering INCS to children with AR. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted from May to September 2025. It included 273 parents of children with allergic rhinitis (AR) who were using intranasal corticosteroids (INCS). A validated knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rank correlation analysis to assess the associations among knowledge, attitude, and practice scores. Although 90.84% of parents reported prior guidance on INCS use, fewer than half of parents reported always performing key administration steps, including breathing coordination (37.00%) and spray direction (42.49%). Knowledge gaps were also observed regarding the minimal systemic risk of INCS (37.00%), correct head position (39.56%), and nozzle direction (41.03%). Parents reported generally positive attitudes toward treatment duration and frequency. All three KAP domains were weakly but significantly positively correlated, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.15 to 0.27 ( P <0.005). This study suggests a potential “know-do” gap in INCS administration among parents of children with AR. Despite high rates of prior instruction and favorable attitudes, gaps in knowledge and practices persisted. The weak KAP correlations suggest that knowledge and attitudes alone do not ensure correct administration. Competency-focused approaches, such as teach-back, require prospective evaluation with objective technique and outcome measures. Not applicable.

Source: BMC Pediatrics

DOI: 10.1186/s12887-026-07879-z

Authors: Hongting Zhang, Tianyi Guo, Xiaoqin Ji, Huiling Zhao

Institutions: Sichuan University, West China Hospital of Sichuan University

Language: English

Topic: Allergic Rhinitis and Sensitization

Subfield: Immunology and Allergy

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,090