BioMed Research International · 2015 · 23 citations · 27 references
Health ProfessionsChild HealthPediatricsAdolescent HealthPediatric EpidemiologyPediatric PharmacotherapyMedication SafetyPediatric Patient SafetyPediatric SafetyAntipyretic Drug SafetyAntipyretic TherapyComplementary MedicineFamily Beliefs About MedicinesOver-the-counter MedicationsPrescription Medication Use
The use of nonprescription medicines for children can lead to unnecessary medication use and carries risks. The study aimed to assess parents’ attitudes and practices regarding NPD use for their children and to identify factors predicting such use. A cross‑sectional survey of parents attending community‑based pediatrician consultations collected data through structured interviews. Findings revealed that 71.4 % of parents held a positive attitude toward NPDs, 61.5 % had administered them in the past six months (antipyretics being most common), and positive attitudes were more frequent among parents who did not rely solely on the pediatrician for drug information, highlighting the need for pediatricians to promote appropriate NPD use.
The use of nonprescription medicines (NPDs) for children illnesses without a doctor's suggestion can lead to unnecessary medication use and is not free of risks. The aim of our study was to examine attitudes and practice of parents towards NPDs use for their children. We also investigated the conditions that may predict NPDs use. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on parents of children attending Community Based Pediatrician (CBP) consultation and data were collected through structured interviews. Positive attitude on NPDs use was reported by 71.4% of parents, and 61.5% of them had administered NPDs in the previous 6 months. Antipyretic drugs were the most frequently used medication class without the supervision of the CBP. A positive attitude towards NPDs was significantly more frequent in parents who did not use the CBP as the sole source of information about drugs. The study demonstrated a widespread use of NPDs in children in our context, supported by a substantial positive attitude towards their safety. However, considering potential harms related to some NPDs and the finding that most parents rely on CBP advice, role of CBP on appropriate use of NPDs by parents should be emphasized.
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Factors Associated With Pediatric Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Gurjeet S. Birdee, Russell S. Phillips, Roger B. Davis et al. · PEDIATRICS · 2010 · 143 citations · Full text