Related Experiment Videos
Self-reported medication use among adolescents in Kuwait
Eman Abahussain1, Lloyd K Matowe, P J Nicholls
1Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait.
Summary
Self-medication is highly prevalent among adolescents in Kuwait, increasing with age and varying by gender. Parents are the primary source of medication information for these students.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Adolescent Health
- Public Health
Background:
- Adolescent medication use patterns require investigation.
- Understanding information sources is crucial for health education.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe medication use patterns in Kuwaiti adolescents.
- To examine age and gender differences in medication use.
- To identify sources of medication information.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional survey of 1,110 students (14-21 years) in Kuwait.
- Random selection of 10 public schools.
- Estimation of self-medication prevalence.
Main Results:
- 92% prevalence of self-medication, increasing with age.
- Commonly used medications for pain, respiratory, and allergic conditions.
- Gender differences observed in medication use; parents were the main information source.
Conclusions:
- High self-medication rates among Kuwaiti adolescents.
- Need for enhanced pharmacist role in providing medication information.
- Targeted health education strategies are recommended.