Trend of self-medication among children in Yogyakarta urban community

Background: 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. Methods: 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 selfmedication practice for children, symptoms usually medicated, and types of medicine was collected. Data was was analysed using SPSS 21.0. Results: 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). Conclusion: 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. © 2020 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.