The usability of medicine education assignments for seven to nine year‐old children

Abstract

PurposeA medicine education web site was developed during a research project in 2002–2004 to help teachers in primary and junior secondary schools to teach children the proper use of medicines. However, there was a need to develop further the assignments for the youngest schoolchildren. The aim of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of three medicine education assignments created for seven to nine year‐old children, and to describe how children experienced them.Design/methodology/approachTriangulation of two methods was used: ten observed lessons and eight focus group discussions (FGD) with children (n=46). Two researchers observed medicine education lessons given by four primary school teachers. After these lessons, the children were interviewed in focus group discussions.FindingsTeachers used the assignments in various ways. It became clear in the observations that the children enjoyed the assignments and that they did not feel embarrassed about the topics discussed. During the FGDs, they discussed topics related to learning objectives generally in a good and extensive way. Moreover, the children remembered the main messages to be learnt.Originality/valueThe medicine education assignments developed for seven to nine year‐old children are useful and feasible, and furthermore, they are flexible and can be used in different situations with different groups of children.

Knowledge and attitude of school children in Amman/Jordan toward the appropriate use of medicines: A cross-sectional study

“…The prevalence of medicine use in children, both prescribed and over-the-counter (OTC) is reported to be high (Ha¨meen-Anttila et al, 2009). For example, one study in the USA found that 54% of children younger than three years old were given an OTC medicine during a period of 30 days (Kogan et al, 1994).…”

“…Furthermore, it became an obligatory subject in junior secondary schools and in primary schools, through a new curriculum. This new topic creates challenges for teachers, who usually have not had any formal education about medicines during their studies (Ha¨meen-Anttila et al, 2009;Ha¨meen-Anttila et al, 2006).…”

A Pictogram-Based Intervention to Reduce Parental Liquid Medication Errors: Health Literacy Approach

“…Though this matter has been well recognized as a cause of concern, limited data is available from ambulatory settings [1]. The prevalence of medicine use in children, both prescribed and over-the-counter (OTC) is reported to be high [4].…”

Promoting the proper use of medicines in rural school children of India

“…Many subsequent studies proved this theory wrong. 2,3 Medicine use is among the most common health related activities children encounter during their day to day activities.…”