Background: Antibiotic misuse among parents is a significant contributor to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), treatment failure, and preventable adverse effects in children. Understanding parental knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) is essential for designing effective interventions to promote rational antibiotic use.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 356 Saudi parents attending pediatric clinics across Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a validated online questionnaire assessing demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to antibiotic use. Statistical analyses were performed to explore associations between sociodemographic characteristics and patterns of antibiotic misuse.

Results: The majority of participants were women (78.9%), aged 31–40 years (36.2%), and had a college-level education (83.0%). Although 75.35% recognized that inappropriate use contributes to resistance and 88.5% understood the importance of completing prescribed courses, misconceptions were widespread. Over one-quarter (27.13%) reported they might discontinue antibiotics once symptoms improved, while nearly half (47.4%) incorrectly believed antibiotics hasten recovery from viral illnesses such as colds and flu. Most parents (77.5%) rarely used antibiotics without prescriptions, yet 11.3% reported frequent selfmedication. Logistic regression analysis indicated that higher income and employment in healthcare modestly increased awareness, but education level and income were not significantly associated with attitudes toward misuse (p > 0.05).