Aydin, BahiseDemir, MeyaseSari, Vahide2026-04-252026-04-252026-02-201471-2431https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14365/9044https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-026-06633-9Background: Pain is a common health problem and a leading reason for hospital admissions in children. Rational drug use is crucial in pediatric pain management, especially for young children who rely on their parents. Purpose: This study aimed to determine the attitudes of mothers of children aged 0-6 years toward rational drug use in pain management. Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional, and correlational study involved 403 mothers attending pediatric outpatient clinics at a university hospital. Data collection took place between April and June 2024 using a personal information form and the Parental Attitude Scale Towards Rational Drug Use (PASRDU). Data analysis included the Mann-Whitney U test for pairwise comparisons, the Kruskal-Wallis H test for groups larger than two, and Spearman Correlation analysis for variable relationships. Results: The mean age of the mothers was 31.60 (+/- 5.328) years; 45.4% had one child, and 50.9% held a university degree or higher. The mean PASRDU score was 174.01 +/- 17.225. A statistically significant positive attitude towards rational drug use was linked to younger mothers, those with fewer children, and those with higher education and socioeconomic status (p < .005). PASRDU scores were also higher among mothers who reported greater self-efficacy in relieving their child's pain and those who did not administer non-prescribed analgesics (p < .005). Conclusions: Mothers generally exhibited high attitudes toward rational drug use in pain management. Attitudes varied by age, education, number of children, socioeconomic status, self-perceived competence in pain management, and use of non-prescribed medications. Nurse-led assessment and tailored education may support rational drug use in pediatric pain management.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessPain ManagementMothersDrugsChildArticle10.1186/s12887-026-06633-92-s2.0-105034454397