From this study, on the topic of children’s knowledge and beliefs regarding medicines, it is found that most children have inadequate knowledge and false beliefs about the efficacy of medicines.
The factors influencing the total score of beliefs regarding medicines had been investigated. The age of children was a significant factor impacting on their beliefs. The older children have better understanding concerning the benefits of the medicines. The females gave valid responses according to the efficacy of medicines. Furthermore, the race of the children was a significant factor, which has influenced their beliefs. Malay and Chinese children were more knowledgeable about medicines in comparison with the Indian children.
According to the parents’ job, children who have one of their parents working as a health-care professional had a good knowledge about medicines compared to those parents who work in other sectors. The education level of both parents was another significant factor affecting children’s beliefs. In addition, the SES of the family had a significant impact on children’s beliefs. Therefore, children with higher SES gave a high score of beliefs compared to the children from lower SES. Educating children about medicines is needed especially through the health school curricula. The health-care professionals should play an active role to improve the comprehension of children about medicines use and educate them about medicines use as well as about the efficacy of medicines.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the Ministry of Education, Education Department of Penang State and schools administration for their cooperation.
Funding
This study has been supported by the Postgraduate Research Grant (1001/PFARMASI/832056)
from Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia.