title: Survey in the emergency department of parents' understanding of cough and cold medication use in children younger than 2 years.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In August 2007, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a public health advisory recommending that over-the-counter cough and cold medications (CCMs) not be used in children younger than 2 years. Our objective was to assess parents' awareness and understanding of the guidelines.
  
  
  METHODS
  We surveyed caregivers of children younger than 2 years in the emergency department of an urban tertiary care military hospital where civilian patients are also treated. After completing the survey, caregivers received a handout explaining the FDA's recommendations.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Our response rate was 99% (264/265). First-time parents constituted 45% (114/251) of responders. Education level was high school, 21%; some college, 36%; and college graduate, 40%. Thirty-one percent (77/247) were aware of the FDA guidelines. Of these 77, 44 (57%) reported the guidelines indicated CCMs were not safe in children younger than 2 years, and 18 (23%) said CCMs have caused death. Twenty-six percent (68/264) did not give CCMs to their children younger than 2 years, and 40% of these reported it was because of learning about the guidelines; 63% (165/264) reported CCMs were effective, 11% ineffective, and 27% did not know. Fifty-seven percent (151/263) reported CCMs were safe, 12% unsafe, and 31% unsure. Twenty-two percent (31/143) planned to use or continue to use CCMs in their children, 34% did not, 23% not sure, and 21% only if their doctor advised it.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The majority of caregivers were not aware of the FDA guidelines on CCM use in children younger than 2 years. Most thought CCMs were safe and effective.
authors.affiliation: Wilford Hall Medical Center/Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, TX, USA. smvarney@gmail.com
authors.forename: Shawn M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Varney
authors.forename: Vikhyat S
authors.initials: VS
authors.lastname: Bebarta
authors.forename: Rebecca L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Pitotti
authors.forename: Toni E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Vargas
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003139:Common Cold / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003371:Cough / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004522:Educational Status; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005260:Female; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006772:Hospitals, Military; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D019141:Respiratory System Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States; D014486:United States Food and Drug Administration
chemical_list: D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D019141:Respiratory System Agents