Reading about over-the-counter medications.
Many adolescents and young adults purchase and use over-the-counter (OTC) medications, and some may take these medications without reading about how to use them. Most do read package inserts and labels to learn about the medication, but studies examining what influences label reading for youth are needed. This study assessed factors related to label reading for young people, including demographic variables (gender, health status) and the types of information they were seeking about the medication. Eight hundred and seventy-six high school and college students participated, and most reported reading labels or package inserts to learn about medications. Participants experiencing pain were more likely to read labels, except for those experiencing headaches who reported being less likely to read labels. When reading labels, participants were interested in information about side effects, ingredients, dosage instructions, and symptoms treated by the medication. Future research should examine whether youth take medications as directed and what factors make labels and inserts easier to read and understand.
Nabors
Laura A
LA
Department of Psychology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0376, USA. naborsla@email.uc.edu
Lehmkuhl
Heather D
HD
Parkins
Irina S
IS
Drury
Anna M
AM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004348:Drug Labeling; D004363:Drug Utilization; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D015146:Midwestern United States; D009042:Motivation; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs
D004366:Nonprescription Drugs