Adolescent Medication Misuse: Results from the MUSC Inventory of Medication Experiences (MIME).
OBJECTIVE
To survey a diverse high school population on current prescription and over-the-counter medication misuse behaviors and attitudes.


METHODS
We administered the MUSC Inventory of Medication Experiences (MIME), a newly developed self-report instrument, in demographically diverse high schools in Charleston, SC, to assess the feasibility of its administration and determine characteristics associated with medication misuse among high school students.


RESULTS
A total of 3182 students completed the MIME (93% completion rate). Nearly one-third (31%) reported misuse of a medication more than once a month. Analysis was conducted to evaluate associations between misuse and age (<15=33%, 15=32%, 16=33%, 17=30%, 18=26%, >18=34%;p=.35), grade (9=29%, 10=32%, 11=33%, 12=30%;p=.22), race (White 34%, African-American 26%, others 30%;p<.001), gender (M=32%, F=28%;p=.01), parent/guardian level of education (<HS=34%, HS=30%, college=29%, and >college=30%;p=.12), if a participant was prescribed medication (yes=46%, no=21%;p<.001), if a family member was prescribed medication (yes=40%, no=26%;p<.001), and if a family member had ever offered their prescribed medication to the student (yes=91%, no=29%;p<.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Medication misuse may be more pervasive than originally thought, with a notably high level among those most familiar with medications.
Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC USA.
A Lee
AL
Lewis
Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC USA.
Erin M
EM
Klintworth
Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC USA.
Jessica O
JO
Hinton
Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC USA.
Kevin M
KM
Gray
Addictions; Demographics; High School; Student Health; Substance Use; Survey