PEDIATRIC SELF-MEDICATION TRENDS IN REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA

Abstract

Aim of the study: The use of medication in children and infants represents a unique set of challenges for prescribing physician as the children are among the most vulnerable population in every society. Self-medication in children is especially important issue according to the fact that improper self-diagnosis and treatment of serious illness can lead to significant risk of drug-drug interactions as well as to an increased risk of adverse effects and potential abuse. However, self-medication provides direct and fast access to effective drugs due to their widespread availability in pharmacies. The aim of this study is to represent the most common illness for which self-medication was resorted, comparison of recommendations of guidelines from relevant world sources (WHO, FDA, MBD and others) with regulation for self-medication in Republic of Macedonia and to determine the self-medication trends in children by their parents. Materials and methods: Parents' knowledge and attitude to self-medication of children in Eastern Macedonia was determined by anonymous survey. The survey was conducted in 6 municipalities near the healthcare institutions. Parents having at least one child of age less than 16 years were included in this study. There was no limitation of age, level of education, economic status and gender of participants. Data of total 50 participants was collected. Results and discussion: Most common conditions for self-medication were fever, cough, flu, vomiting, diarrhea and allergies. In Republic of North Macedonia, there are lists of non-prescription paediatric drugs in pharmaceutical dosage forms most appropriate for this population according to recommendations of WHO, FDA and evidence-based medicine. Conclusion: The obtained results from the conducted survey showed that self-medication is most common in children with headache, while in children and infants with diarrhea and constipation parents often seek help from doctor and pharmacist. Unfortunately, antimicrobials also were used to treat cough and cold, sore throat and diarrhea, which is alarming according to the fact that parents do not have sufficient knowledge about antimicrobials and inappropriate use of these medicines, is associated with high risk of bacterial resistance.