The effect of long-term drug use on rational drug use in children with medical illness

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of long-term drug use on rational drug use in children with medical illnes with the data obtained from parents who applied to Muğla Training and Research Hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Out of 288 parents who applied to Muğla Training and Research Hospital pediatric outpatient clinics between January 1, 2022 and March 31, 2022, 144 people with children aged 0-12 years who had chronic diseases and had been using regular medication for at least 3 months were included in the research group. and 144 people who did not use drugs continuously were determined as the control group. The "Parental Attitude Scale Towards Rational Drug Use" (AİKYETÖ) was used in addition to the questionnaire prepared by scanning the literature to evaluate awareness of rational drug use, knowledge, attitudes and behaviors, and questions about sociodemographic data. The forms were filled by face-to-face interview method. Data analysis was done with SPSS 26 program and it was studied with 95% confidence level. In the study, independent groups t-test was used to compare AIKYETÖ scores according to groups, chi-square test was used for the relationship between groups and categorical (grouped) variables, and two-way ANOVA test was used to compare demographic characteristics and group variable according to AIKYETÖ scores. RESULTS: Of the parents participating in the study, 195 (67.71%) were mothers and 93 (32.29%) were fathers. The mean age was 34.88±6.44 years in the study group and 33.57±6.57 years in the control group. was found as The mean number of children aged 12 and under was found to be 1.53±0.62 for all participants. The rate of having individuals with chronic diseases at home and individuals using drugs at home is higher in the research group and is statistically significant. While there was a similar number of drugs in the research and control groups, the use of these drugs when necessary was found to be 45.8% in the research group and 56.3% in the control group. While individuals in the research group mostly apply to university hospitals for drug treatment, individuals in the control group mostly apply to state hospitals. While 43.1% of the individuals in the research group did not give over-the-counter drugs to their children, this rate was found to be 16% in the control group. The control group uses 2 times more over-the-counter vitamins than the research group. The most commonly used over-the-counter drug in the whole population is the antipyretic group with a rate of 44.79% (n:129). Among the AIKYETÖ items, the statement "I keep the drugs out of my child's reach" got the highest score, the statement with the lowest participation was "If I need to give my child more than one drug, I mix the drugs together." The scores of the research group in AIKYETÖ and its subscales are higher than the control group and it is statistically significant. The place where you live the longest, education level, having too much medication at home, and using non-prescription drugs affect the scores statistically. In addition, the duration of illness of the children in the research group, the total score of AIKYETÖ and the Correct and Conscious Use sub-dimension; disease group significantly affected the Effective and Safe subscale score. CONCLUSION: According to our research, long-term drug use in children due to medical illness affects rational drug use. Accurate and up-to-date information is needed both in the preparation and use of drugs used in childhood due to the fact that the dose changes according to age and the pharmaceutical form is different from adults. In addition to medicines, herbal products and supplements are also used in childhood. For this reason, the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of both health professionals and parents directly affect the health of children. Studies using AIKYETÖ in our country are limited. As studies on this subject increase, more detailed and separate plans can be made for drugs used in childhood while preparing education and policies for rational drug use. KEYWORDS: Rational drug use, child, chronic illness