PARENTS’ AWARENESS OF RATIONAL DRUG USE

Abstract

This study was designed to determine awareness of parents about rational drug use and the influencing factors. The study was completed with 322 parents with children aged 0–18 years who consulted the pharmacy and volunteered to participate in the study. As a data collection tool, a “Descriptive Questionnaire Form” and a “Questionnaire for Awareness of Parents About Rational Drug Use” were employed. The data were assessed using descriptive (number, percentage, and mean) and statistical (t-test, Mann-Whitney U, ANOVA, and Kruskal-Wallis test) methods. It was determined that over-the-counter antipyretics were used by 53.1% of the parents for their children. Parents’ awareness of rational drug use was above the average level (43.17±7.34). The use of over-the-counter analgesics, vitamins, and antibiotics for their children, asking the physician to prescribe medication at each examination, educational background, and employment had an effect on their awareness levels of rational drug use(p