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. 2025 Jun 26:13:1560299.
doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1560299. eCollection 2025.

A cross-sectional study on self-medication with over-the-counter drugs among adolescents: an analysis of current practices

Chenyang Ma  1 , Hanqing Zhang  1
Affiliations

A cross-sectional study on self-medication with over-the-counter drugs among adolescents: an analysis of current practices

Chenyang Ma et al. Front Public Health. .

Abstract

Background: Self-medication refers to individuals using over-the-counter (OTC) medications to manage self-diagnosed health issues or symptoms without professional medical guidance. Although OTC medications are generally considered safe and effective, significant knowledge gaps and safety risks persist among adolescents when using these drugs. This study aims to explore the self-medication behaviors of adolescents in China regarding OTC medications and the influencing factors.

Objective: This study explores adolescent self-medication strategies for OTC drug use through multi-setting surveys in hospitals, pharmacies, and schools, aiming to enhance understanding of adolescents' medication behaviors and improve awareness of safe medication practices.

Methods: This cross-sectional study distributed data via questionnaires from adolescents aged 12 to 18 between August 2023 and August 2024. The questionnaire included demographic information, health status, OTC medication usage patterns, motivations for use, knowledge of OTC drugs, and purchasing behaviors. A total of 600 questionnaires were distributed, and after logical consistency checks, 573 valid questionnaires were included in the final analysis.

Results: The study found that 97.5% of adolescents used OTC medications in the past year, with 52.5% using them 1-2 times, 31% using them 3-5 times, and 14% using them more than 5 times. However, 23.75% lacked knowledge of proper usage, 25.67% misunderstood antibiotic use, 6.67% were unaware of adverse reactions, and 9.17% did not recognize Traditional Chinese Medicine side effects.

Conclusion: This study highlights common self-medication among adolescents with significant knowledge gaps on OTC drugs and side effects. It calls for better health education, especially in schools, and a more active role for pharmacists and healthcare professionals. Regulatory bodies should enhance oversight, and future research should explore OTC traditional Chinese medicines and social adaptability.

Keywords: adolescents; drug safety; health education; over-the-counter drugs; self-medication.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Study protocol including completion rate and participant flow chart, modified based on cross, strobe and cherries (37–39).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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