Medicine-taking behaviour and drug-related problems in adolescents of a Swedish high school

Westerlund, Michael; Brånstad, Jan-Olof; Westerlund, Tommy

doi:10.1007/s11096-007-9168-1

Cited by 34 publications

(26 citation statements)

References 27 publications

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“…Given the different methodologies, we are unable to ascertain whether the prevalence of a frequent use of OTC medicines is lower or higher among the study population compared to their counterparts in other countries. It appears, however, to be of the same magnitude as shown in other western European studies, where 43.3% of adolescents used OTC medicines at least once per month [22].…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 71%

Adolescents in Spain: use of medicines and adolescent lifestyles

Morales-Suárez-Varela

Llópis-González

Caamaño-Isorna

et al. 2009

Pharm World Sci

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 71%

Adolescents in Spain: use of medicines and adolescent lifestyles

Morales-Suárez-Varela

Llópis-González

Caamaño-Isorna

et al. 2009

Pharm World Sci

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“…[6] Many studies in different countries also showed that the prevalence of self-medication in children and adolescent was high. [7891011121314151617] Although health services are free in Kuwait, the high prevalence of self-medication could be due to the high living standard and the availability of large varieties of drugs in the market. In the present study, self-medication decreased with age.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Self-medication among undergraduate medical students in Kuwait with reference to the role of the pharmacist

2014

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Objective:The practice of self-medication is growing world-wide. It is associated with problems that may lead to potentially life-threatening complications represent a priority to be investigated. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of self-medication among undergraduate medical students and to evaluate the possible role of the pharmacist in self-medication in Kuwait.Methods:A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed, using the questionnaire on a sample of 900 male and female students randomly selected from three health faculties in Kuwait. The prevalence of self-medication, as well as the contribution of pharmacist in self-medication was assessed. In addition, the role of the pharmacist as drug consultant for the students after getting the medication was evaluated.Findings:The overall prevalence of self-medication was 97.8%. The age was significantly inversely proportional to self-medication. There was a significant difference between male and female students in self-medication practice. Headache was the highest health conditions that most frequently motivated self-medication with 90.1% prevalence, followed by 84.7% for dysmenorrhea and 60.3% for constipation. Contribution of the pharmacist as a part of self-medication care was low totally, with the highest rate for cough conditions 40.1%. However, the role of the pharmacist as a drug consultant was more noticeable after obtaining the drug, not before. Around 80.1% of the students request information from the pharmacist about doses, duration of treatments and side-effects.Conclusion:The prevalence of self-medication among undergraduate students in Kuwait is high and there were significant differences for age and gender. The contribution of the pharmacist was low in self-medication, while it was high after getting the drugs for obtaining drug related information. The practice of self-medication is alarming. Improved awareness about the role of pharmacist as a drug consultant for careful and cautious use of medicines available for self-medication would be strongly recommended.

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“…Patients often make their decisions about what OTC drugs to use and when to use them on the basis of previous use and familiarity with a specific brand. 5 Studies have shown that teenagers especially are greatly influenced by parents and peers [6][7][8] and easily adapt the drugtaking behaviour of others. 7,8 According to Swedish therapy guidelines, paracetamol is the firstline treatment of mild or moderate pain and is considered harmless if taken as directed (≤4 g/d for adults).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%