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. 2022 Jun;24(3):682-688.
doi: 10.1007/s10903-021-01228-1. Epub 2021 Jun 5.

Bringing Medicine from Pakistan and Self-Medication Among Pakistani Mothers in New Zealand

Sumera Saeed Akhtar  1 , Susan Heydon  2 , Pauline Norris  3
Affiliations

Bringing Medicine from Pakistan and Self-Medication Among Pakistani Mothers in New Zealand

Sumera Saeed Akhtar et al. J Immigr Minor Health. 2022 Jun.

Abstract

Worldwide migration leads to people bringing beliefs and practices from one country into another, including those related to self-medication. This study explores the self-medication practices of Pakistani mothers for their children and their reasons for self-medication. We interviewed 23 immigrants. Each interview lasted 60-80 min and was conducted in Urdu. Participants had been living in New Zealand on average 3.25 years. They talked about their prior knowledge and experiences regarding self-medication behaviour for their children. The majority of the mothers treat their children at home before visiting a general practitioner (GP) due to previous unsatisfactory experiences. There was a significant relationship between participants who had family members in healthcare professions, their experiences of healthcare services and self-medication. Bringing medicines from Pakistan is a key source for self-medication practices. Self-medication awareness programs could help mothers to practice safe and responsible use of medicines for the benefit of their children.

Keywords: Children; Migrants; Mothers; New Zealand; Pakistan; Self-medication.

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Conflict of interest statement

We have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

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