Anna Bednarek, Marzena Laskowska, Anna Lewandowska, Anna Umińska, Iwona Bodys-Cupak
Background: Respiratory infections in young children are a common health problem that is determined by some factors. This study aimed to learn the principles of respiratory infection prevention in young children in the context of parents' sense of self-efficacy and the level of health locus of control. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 parents of young children. The research tools used were an original questionnaire and a standardized scale of the Generalized Self-Efficacy Survey (GSES) and the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC - version A). The study material was collected online using Google Forms software. Data from 134 respondents were included in the statistical analysis. Results: A significant relationship was found between the frequency of respiratory infections in children aged 3-4 years and the parents' care for their hygiene, spending time outdoors, and dressing appropriately for the ambient temperature (Chi2=4.10; p=0.040). Based on the sten scores for the GSES scale, it was found that most parents (66.42%; n = 89) had a high level of self-efficacy (scores of 7-10 sten). According to the MHLC scale - version A, health control was the highest in the internal dimension (Me=26), and chance had the least impact on health control (Me=20). Conclusions: Parents took various actions to prevent respiratory infections in their children. Most parents scored high on the GSES and MHLC – Version A, which may have translated into better health management skills and the implementation of appropriate health-promoting practices in their children.