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

Mufarrihah Mufarrihah, Ana Yuda, Abhimata Paramanandana, Dini Retnowati, Devy Maulidya Cahyani, Retno Sari, Sugiyartono Sugiyartono, Tutiek Purwanti, Dewi Isadiartuti, Esti Hendradi, Andang Miatmoko

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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 provide proper education related to drug information and self-medication to increase school-age students’ knowledge.

Original languageEnglish
Article number2530
JournalJournal of Public Health in Africa
Volume14
Issue numberS1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023

Keywords

  • Medication error
  • Pharmacist
  • Public health
  • School-age students
  • Self-medication

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