Parental self-efficacy, health locus of control, and preventive behaviors against respiratory infections in young children: a cross-sectional survey study.

Respiratory infections in young children are a common health problem influenced by several factors. The aim of this study was to recognition the principles of respiratory tract infection prevention in young children in the context of parents' self-efficacy and the level of health locus of control. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 parents of young children. A proprietary questionnaire and standardized scales were used: the General Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (GSES) and the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC - version A). Research material was collected online using Google Forms software. Data from 134 respondents were included in the statistical analysis. A significant correlation was found between the frequency of respiratory infections in children and their age, attendance at nursery or kindergarten, physical activity and suffering from asthma. Based on the GSES sten scores, the majority of parents (66.42%; n = 89) had high self-efficacy (sten scores of 7-10). According to the MHLC scale - version A scale, health control was highest on the internal dimension (Me = 26), and chance had the least influence on health control (Me = 20). Parents engaged in health behaviors to prevent respiratory infections in their children. Most parents scored high on the GSES and MHLC scale - version A, which may have translated into better health management skills and the implementation of appropriate health-promoting practices in their children.