The evaluation of rational medication use by parents for their children in primary school age

Aim: Unconscious and incorrect drug use is one of the most important problems affecting public health. Patients using drugs without consulting a doctor, through their past experiences, the internet, recommendations from acquaintances, other health workers or media channels, and quitting treatment without completing it, show us that the necessary importance is not given to rational drug use. Parents' attitudes on rational drug use in children are very important. The aim of this study is to determine the attitudes of parents, who are primarily responsible for their children, towards rational drug use in their children's illnesses. Method: Our descriptive study was conducted at the Karadeniz Technical University Faculty of Medicine Family Medicine Polyclinic and the Ortahisar Beşirli 51st Education Family Medicine Unit affiliated with the Karadeniz Technical University Department of Family Medicine between May 2024 and July 2024. 384 parents with primary school children (6-14 years old) were included in our study. Sociodemographic information questionnaire and Parental Attitude Scale Towards Rational Drug Use were used to collect data. The survey forms were applied using the face-to-face interview technique. Results: The mean age of a total of 384 participants, 242 mothers (63%) and 142 fathers (37%), was 39.1±6.6 years. The mean total score of the parents was 173.5±16.6, the mean score of the Correct and Conscious Use subscale was 132±11.8, and the mean score of the Effective and Safe Use subscale was 41.4±8. The difference between the mean scale scores and gender, place of residence, educational status, occupation, over-the-counter drug use status was statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: Although the parents who participated in our study had positive attitudes towards rational drug use, the rate of non-prescription drug use was high (76.8%). It is recommended that parental information activities regarding rational drug use in children be expanded. Keyword: Rational drug use, Parents, Attitude.