Medication use among children 0-14 years old: population baseline study
Maria J B Cruz1, Lays F N Dourado1, Emerson C Bodevan2
1Faculdade de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Diamantina, MG, Brazil.
Jornal De Pediatria
|June 24, 2014
Summary
Over half of children and adolescents in Vale do Jequitinhonha, Brazil, used medications, with analgesics/antipyretics being most common. Educational programs are needed to promote rational drug use among caregivers.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pharmacology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Medication use in children and adolescents is a significant public health concern.
- Understanding drug consumption patterns is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of medication use in children and adolescents.
- To identify factors influencing drug consumption in the Vale do Jequitinhonha region of Brazil.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive, population-based survey was conducted with 555 participants aged ≤14 years.
- Data were collected through interviews with legal guardians using simple random cluster sampling.
- Descriptive analysis and association tests were performed to analyze drug usage patterns.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of drug consumption was 56.57%, with cough, cold, and flu being the most common reasons for use (49.7%).
- Analgesics/antipyretics (paracetamol, dipyrone) and respiratory medications were the most frequently used drug classes.
- Prescription drugs accounted for 69.42% of use, while self-medication by mothers was also noted.
Conclusions:
- A high prevalence of medication use was observed in children and adolescents in the study area.
- There is a clear need for educational programs to promote the rational use of medications among caregivers.
Keywords:
AdolescentAdolescentesAutomedicaçãoChildrenCriançasDrug useEnfermagemFarmacoepidemiologiaNursingPharmacoepidemiologySelf-medicationUso de medicamentosMore Related Videos
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