Medication consumption habits in the school population of the province of Cádiz

Abstract

The development of health education regarding medication use requires the planning of programs that provide knowledge about the population’s habitual use of medications. Although the acquisition of medicines from pharmacies is substantial and medical prescriptions are abundant, there is a distinction between purchasing a drug and actually consuming it, a difference mediated by consumer behavior. Based on these considerations, this study presents quantitative data collection for a health education program on medication use in school-aged children. Three surveys were conducted—targeting parents, teachers, and students from a sample population in Cádiz and its province—collecting data on information, usage, and storage of medications. Based on these results, criteria are suggested for the design of educational programs on medications in the school setting.