Perceptions about the use and safety aspects of medicines among schoolchildren in Tartu, Estonia
Maksimovitš, Jekaterina; Hämeen-Anttila, Katri; Volmer, Daisy (2017)
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Maksimovitš, Jekaterina
Hämeen-Anttila, Katri
Volmer, Daisy
Elsevier
2017
Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy : 3
Tiivistelmä
Introduction: Use of medicines among children is common. It is important to learn about their medicine-related perceptions to better understand potential threats children may experience especially while using medicines independently.
Objectives: To explore awareness and beliefs about use of medicines and medication safety among 9-12 and 13-16 year-old schoolchildren in Tartu, Estonia.
Methods: Mixed methods approach was used: 1) questionnaire with open-ended questions about medicines, 2) drawing of medicines cabinet children have at home (results not presented in this abstract), and 3) 3-4 children in 62 groups discussing about symptoms, spread, cure and prevention of various ailments (asthma, flu, migraine, accidents, snake bite and earache). The study was undertaken in one primary school of Tartu, Estonia, in December 2015-January 2016 among 4th to 9th graders. Content analysis was used to analyse all the data. In each category found (presented in results), number of responses was calculated and for analysis of statistical differences in responses to open-ended questions, children were divided into two groups by age: 9-12 (n=121) and 13-16 (n=123) years.
Results: Most of the discussion groups presented extensive and correct descriptions about symptoms, treatment and prevention of different ailments. Medicines were recalled by mode of action (e.g. analgesics, cough and cold medicines), active substance (e.g. paracetamol, ibuprofen) as well as by particular trade name of medicine (e.g. Xymelin®, Nospa®, Sudafed®). In comparison with other medicines, different analgesics were listed more frequently by almost all of the respondents. Half of older children and 1/3 of younger children described threats (adverse reactions, drug addiction, overdose of medicines, irrational use of medicines, death), connected with use of medicines. At the same time in the older age group it was suggested that children could use medicines independently starting 12 years of age in contrast to 17 years of age in the younger age group (p<0.01).
Discussion and conclusions: Schoolchildren demonstrated awareness and sense of responsibility in prevention and treatment of various ailments. Children identified commonly used non-prescription medicines by treated symptoms, active substance or product name. Medication safety was less recognised, and independent use of medicines was suggested at a fairly young age by the children. In the future, more attention has to be paid on education of schoolchildren about safe and rational use of medicines. Pharmacists could be more involved in different educational activities in collaboration with schools.
Objectives: To explore awareness and beliefs about use of medicines and medication safety among 9-12 and 13-16 year-old schoolchildren in Tartu, Estonia.
Methods: Mixed methods approach was used: 1) questionnaire with open-ended questions about medicines, 2) drawing of medicines cabinet children have at home (results not presented in this abstract), and 3) 3-4 children in 62 groups discussing about symptoms, spread, cure and prevention of various ailments (asthma, flu, migraine, accidents, snake bite and earache). The study was undertaken in one primary school of Tartu, Estonia, in December 2015-January 2016 among 4th to 9th graders. Content analysis was used to analyse all the data. In each category found (presented in results), number of responses was calculated and for analysis of statistical differences in responses to open-ended questions, children were divided into two groups by age: 9-12 (n=121) and 13-16 (n=123) years.
Results: Most of the discussion groups presented extensive and correct descriptions about symptoms, treatment and prevention of different ailments. Medicines were recalled by mode of action (e.g. analgesics, cough and cold medicines), active substance (e.g. paracetamol, ibuprofen) as well as by particular trade name of medicine (e.g. Xymelin®, Nospa®, Sudafed®). In comparison with other medicines, different analgesics were listed more frequently by almost all of the respondents. Half of older children and 1/3 of younger children described threats (adverse reactions, drug addiction, overdose of medicines, irrational use of medicines, death), connected with use of medicines. At the same time in the older age group it was suggested that children could use medicines independently starting 12 years of age in contrast to 17 years of age in the younger age group (p<0.01).
Discussion and conclusions: Schoolchildren demonstrated awareness and sense of responsibility in prevention and treatment of various ailments. Children identified commonly used non-prescription medicines by treated symptoms, active substance or product name. Medication safety was less recognised, and independent use of medicines was suggested at a fairly young age by the children. In the future, more attention has to be paid on education of schoolchildren about safe and rational use of medicines. Pharmacists could be more involved in different educational activities in collaboration with schools.
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