| Abstrak/Abstract |
The prevalence of self-medication in Yogyakarta is quite high. Nonetheless, there are very
few concrete data related to self-medication among children. The aim of this study is to explain the causes, common symptoms and medication type of self-medication among children asked by mother in the province of Yogyakarta. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among mothers of children under 126 years of age who attended the outreach program held by Primary Health Center, from October to December 2019. A convenience sampling was performed based on informed consent given. A validated questionnaire on self-medication practice for children, symptoms usually medicated, and types of medicine was collected. Data was was analysed using SPSS 21.0. The main reasons for mothers to self-medicate their children were past experience with similar conditions (75.00%), perception of low severity (65.00%) and leftover medicine at home (58.00%). Fever (70.00%), cough and cold (57.50%), diarrhea (41.00%), allergies (35.83%), and skin problem (32.83%) were commonly symptoms alleviated by self-medication. Frequently used medicine class were antipyretics (63.00%), cough and cold syrup (51.67%), and antibiotics (42.83%). Self-medication among children is very common and difficult to be monitored. It is necessary to educate mothers about the proper use of self-medication. |
