Introduction: Acute Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (AURTIs) continue to be among the most common illnesses affecting young children worldwide, contributing to significant morbidity. In the Philippines, especially in rural areas such as Virac, Catanduanes, caregivers are often the primary managers of these infections at home. This study aims to analyze the knowledge of caregivers regarding the home-based management of AURTIs in preschoolers and to identify barriers to effective care.
Methods: A descriptive correlational research design was utilized to assess the knowledge of 319 caregivers of children aged 3 to 5 years enrolled in Day Care Centers across 52 of the 63 barangays in Virac. Data were gathered through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation to explore relationships among demographic variables, knowledge levels, and perceived barriers.
Results: Findings revealed that most caregivers were female and exhibited diverse profiles in terms of age, marital status, education, and income. While a substantial portion demonstrated basic knowledge of AURTI prevention and management—such as hygiene practices and symptom identification—significant gaps were observed, particularly in recognizing complications and appropriate treatment measures. Major barriers included limited access to healthcare facilities, financial constraints, and misinformation about the illness.
Discussion: The study underscores the critical role of caregiver education in managing AURTIs and mitigating the burden on healthcare systems. Strategies such as targeted health education, community-based interventions, and improved access to reliable information are essential.
Conclusion: Enhancing caregivers’ knowledge through focused health education initiatives can contribute significantly to better health outcomes in children and reduce the prevalence of AURTIs in rural communities like Virac, Catanduanes.
Keywords: Caregiver, preschoolers, Knowledge, Acute upper respiratory tract infection, Home-based management
