Factors influencing children's knowledge and attitudes toward medicines in Malaysia

Background: The use of medicine for the treatment of health problems is a common practice among children. Most children form attitudes, beliefs and expectations about medicines through their past experience with medicines, and through observing their parents or family members taking medicines. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate knowledge and attitudes toward medicines among primary schoolchildren and to evaluate the factors that may be associated with such knowledge and attitudes. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among schoolchildren from the fifth and sixth grades (aged 11-12 years) in four conveniently selected primary schools in Penang Island. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data from the children and their parents. All schoolchildren from grades 5 and 6 in the four schools were recruited into the survey. The total sample size was 1000 children and 1000 of those children's parents. Results: The findings indicated that the average knowledge score was 7.36 +/- 2.38 for 11-year olds and 8.09 +/- 2.08 for 12-year olds, out of a maximum point score of 12. However, there was a significant difference between children related to their age and race (P < 0.05). Older children were more knowledgeable about medicines. Furthermore, the education level of the parents and their socioeconomic status influenced children's knowledge and attitude scores regarding medicines. Conclusion: This study indicated that children have limited knowledge about medicines and some negative attitudes toward medicines. This suggests that a plan for school-based health education is needed especially on the topic of medicine education. (C) 2011 WPMH GmbH. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.