Self-medication profiles in school-age adolescents in Surabaya city, Indonesia

Abstract

Background: It has been reported that children are already practicing self-medication. Indeed, at the children’s age, they are not allowed to self-medicate due to limited knowledge regarding self-medication, leading to inappropriate drug therapy or self-toxicity becoming problems in public health. Objective: This study aimed to determine how school-age adolescents carry out self-medication behavior. Methods: The study was designed as a cross-sectional in which data were collected using questionnaire methods. There were 195 students recruited in this study, consisting of SDN Keputih-245 Elementary School students, SMPN 19 Surabaya Junior High School, and SMAN 11 Surabaya Senior High School. Results: The results showed that most of the students had purchased medicine independently without a doctor’s prescription. The primary source of information regarding self-medication by school students is family. Although most of the respondents stated they always inform their parents or doctors, it has been found that the practice of self-medication by school-age teenagers without informing their parents or doctors exists. Moreover, less than 50% of student respondents believe that self-medication is safe. Conclusion: The role of pharmacists is urgently needed to pro- vide proper education related to drug information and self-medication to increase school-age students’ knowledge.

Antibiotics self-medication practices among students in Universitas Prima Indonesia

“…Self-medication is usually performed to treat minor complaints and illnesses, such as fever, pain, dizziness, cough, stomach ulcers, diarrhea, skin diseases, constipation and others. 7 However, self-medication only involves non-prescription products or over-the-counter drugs that are easily available at pharmacies, supermarkets, and other outlets. Self-medication also provides an opportunity for the practice of selling drugs by illegal drug providers which has implications for irrational and potentially dangerous drug use.…”