Practice and Perception of Self Medication in Children by Caregivers in Sibu Hospital

Abstract

Introduction:

Self-medication in children by caregivers is a common practice globally. Medical complications secondary to self medications is a cause of concern. This study aimed to study the prevalence of self-medication practice by caregivers in their children in Sibu Hospital. The perception of self-medication practice among children by their caregivers was explored too.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey was conducted between July 2020 and January 2021 in Paediatric Wards in Sibu Hospital using an interviewer-assisted structured questionnaire. All caregivers for children admitted to the Paediatric Wards who fulfilled the inclusion criteria was recruited.

Results:

A total of 230 respondents were included in the study. 161 (70.0%) caregivers practised self-medication among children. Fever was the most common ailment for which caregivers practised self-medication for children (92.5%). The majority of the caregivers obtained non-prescription medicine from the pharmacy (98.1%). It seems that caregivers with more children tend to self medicate their children (P=0.044). Most of the caregivers agreed that it was essential to give medicine to a child at home when he/she falls sick (93.2%) and they could treat the child at home by buying medicine from a pharmacy (67.7%). However, most caregivers disagreed with using leftover medicine at home to treat their child (54.7%).

Conclusion: The findings of this study highlighted the importance to educate caregivers about the practice of self-medication among children. Proper knowledge about conditions that could be treated by self-medication should be taught. Pharmacists play an important role in providing correct information and advice to caregivers in the self-medication practice. Keywords: caregiver, children, perception, practice, self-medication