Parents' decision-making process in medication administration for control of hyperactivity

The purpose of this research was to investigate the efficacy of a specific intervention strategy designed to diminish the ambivalence that parents experience when deciding to place their hyperactive child on stimulant medication. Data analyses demonstrated that a counseling intervention was more effective than a control conference in making parents more aware of the importance of deliberating about their decision. The results further indicated that parents evidenced a positive attitude regarding the intervention and, subsequently, toward their decision concerning medication administration, if the intervention was conducted by a school nurse. Discussion includes an interpretation of these findings that suggests the importance of health care professionals in the school setting.