The aim of this study was assessment of the knowledge, attitude and behaviors of mothers regarding acute respiratory infections (ARIs). A total of 108 mothers with children aged between 1-6 years who applied to Family Medicine between March-April 2009 were included in the study. Questionnaire forms to assess sociodemographic characteristics and the knowledge, attitude and behaviors of mothers regarding childhood ARIs were completed. The most frequently indicated cause of ARI was weather fluctuations (44.4%). 63.9% of mothers believed that use of antibiotics was required for cough and 59.3% believed they were required for fever;42.6% of mothers self-medicated their children with antibiotics and 40.7% administered antibiotics based on a pharmacist's recommendation. Only 7.4% of mothers were aware of emergency symptoms. It was determined that mothers with a high educational level who denoted having knowledge about ARI and whose children were hospitalized because of ARI showed knowledgeable and rational antibiotic usage. It was determined that those mothers who were not aware of the emergency and severe findings of ARI had inaccurate attitudes about antibiotic usage.

Keywords: akut solunum yolu enfeksiyonları, anneler, bilgi, tutum, davranış,