Self-medication in children and adolescents

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pediatrics
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Self-medication is a widespread practice globally, particularly among pediatric populations.
• Understanding the prevalence and associated factors is crucial for developing targeted public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of self-medication in children and adolescents in Limeira and Piracicaba, São Paulo.
• To correlate self-medication rates with sociodemographic indicators and healthcare service utilization.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive, population-based study employing cluster sampling of 772 participants aged 18 years or younger.
• Data collected via parent/tutor interviews regarding drug consumption in the preceding 15 days.
• Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, linear association tests, and multiple logistic regression.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of self-medication was 56.6%, with mothers and drugstore employees being primary sources of advice.
• Analgesics/antipyretics were the most common self-prescribed drugs, followed by respiratory and gastrointestinal medications, and antibiotics.
• Increased risk for self-medication was associated with the 7-18 year age group and users of public healthcare services.

Conclusions:

• The high prevalence of self-medication in children and adolescents necessitates urgent public health interventions.
• Educational strategies targeting parents and healthcare providers are essential to curb this practice.