Knowledge and Beliefs of School Children Towards Medicine in Karachi, Pakistan. A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Collaborative learning related to the perception of children towards medicines can assist students and parents in developing knowledge and learning in medicines. Various studies have shown that, medicine knowledge building is necessary for children as well as parents.

Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the Knowledge and beliefs of school children towards medicine in Karachi, Pakistan.

Methodology: Our study was cross sectional survey-based study; In this observational type of study, the investigator measures the exposure of the participants at the same time. For measuring the knowledge and beliefs different questions were asked from the students and after implementing different test including descriptive, cross bar and chi square test we found that our results have shown significance results i.e. 0.05 %. The knowledge was accessed on different dosage form and the experiences of the children. 10 questions were asked to assed the knowledge however for belief we asked 5 questions after pilot run on 30 children.

Results: Majority of children liked to take medication in form of syrup i.e. 95% and about 95% don’t know about the effect and role of medication in the body. More than 90% of the children don’t know about the cure, medicine and frequency of the medicine. Significant number of student/children state that they were forced to take medicines without any health care provider’s consent. Significant population of children and their parents were lacking the basic knowledge regarding the use of medicines. Around 20% unwanted most common diseases spreading due to lack of knowledge, self-medication. With survey we also found that children have great fear of medicines i.e. 97%, parents forced their children to take medicines either after health care provider consent or self. This result is serious indication and alarming for parents and children with regard of their safety. More than 90% of the children have no beliefs on medication.

Conclusion: There is big gap between knowledge and beliefs of school going children towards medication. New education model can make situation better which leads towards less resistance in young population.