Self-Medication Trends in Children by Their Parents

Abstract

The aim of present study was to determine the self-medication trends in children by their parents, knowledge of selfmedication and their attitude towards this practice. Factors that enforced them to do this practice were also determined along with their source of information about drug use. Total 400 parents were randomly selected and interviewed. It was observed that self-medication prevalence in children by their parents was 77.25% with male and female ratio 49% and 51%. Self-medication awareness was 66% among total parents and this practice was more in children of age 1-5 years i.e., 47%. Most common conditions for self-medication were fever, cough, flu, vomiting, diarrhoea and allergies. Frequently used drug groups include antipyretics, cough and cold preparation, antimicrobials, antiemetics and antiallergy. It was also observed that 45% of parents practiced self-medication 3-4 times per year and the main reasons behind this practice were perception of illness, previous experience, lack of time, financial constraint and leftover medicines. Old prescriptions, family members, friends and medical stores were common source of self-medication. This study also revealed that 57% of parents reported recovery after self-medication. It was also observed that 63% of parents informed physician about self-medication in their children and 18% reported that their child became sicker after self-medication. Out of total 56% participants were agreed that self-medication is unsafe for their children.