Self-administration of over-the-counter medication for pain among adolescents
C. T. Chambers, G. J. Reid, P. J. McGrath and G. A. Finley
Department of Psychology, Izaak Walton Killam, Grace Health Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia.
OBJECTIVE: To examine over-the-counter (OTC) medication use and
self-administration of medication among adolescents. DESIGN: In-person
survey. SETTINGS: Three public junior high schools in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
PARTICIPANTS: Six hundred fifty-one junior high school students (7th, 8th,
and 9th grades). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A questionnaire regarding OTC
medication use and self-administration for head: stomach; ear and throat;
muscle, joint, and back; and menstrual pains. RESULTS: Of those who
reported taking medication, many adolescents (58.7%-95.9%) reported taking
OTC medications for each pain. Medications and knowledge about medications
were obtained from a variety of sources, primarily parents.
Self-administration was widespread; 58.3% to 75.9% of adolescents reported
taking an OTC medication for pain without first checking with an adult in
the previous 3 months. Self-administration of medication without the
knowledge of adults increased significantly from grades 7 to 9 for all
types of pain. Girls tended to self-administer medication more than boys.
Higher levels of pain frequency and intensity were related to higher levels
of self-administration for all pains except muscle, joint, and back pain.
Adolescents reported that they began to self-administer medication between
the ages of 11 and 12 years. CONCLUSIONS: Although a relatively responsible
picture of self-administration of medication emerges, some adolescents
engaged in inappropriate OTC medication use (eg, the common use of
aspirin), highlighting the importance of providing adolescents with correct
information about these medications.
