title: [The knowledge of students and teachers of selected groups about the OTC drugs containing codeine and pseudoephedrine--an alternative to "legal highs"?].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Currently the youth to intoxication increasingly used drugs generally available over the counter (OTC, Over-The-Counter drug) containing psychotropic substances. The knowledge on the subject among parents and teachers is inadequate. The aim of the study is to assess the knowledge of students and teachers about OTC drugs containing codeine or pseudoephedrine and their consequences on the use and popularity of these drugs.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was conducted from December 2014 to March 2015 of 93 respondents. In conducting the study used research tool in the form of an anonymous questionnaire consisting of 21 questions for the students and teachers of 16 questions, the questions relate knowledge of the studied group persons on the OTC drugs containing codeine or pseudoephedrine and the effects of their use.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among the students participating in the study, the majority of respondents are aware that using drugs containing codeine or pseudoephedrine can be addicted to them. Higher knowledge on this subject have demonstrated high school students, but less teachers. Most of the respondents had knowledge about the health effects that result from an overdose of these drugs. Among the students most frequently reported sources of knowledge about OTC drugs containing codeine or pseudoephedrine were friends and the Internet.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The general knowledge of high school students and teachers on the effects of OTC medications containing codeine or pseudoephedrine is not sufficient. There is a need to conduct preventive and educational action aimed at increasing knowledge among youth and adults on the health effects of these drugs.
authors.forename: Mariola
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sliwińska-Mossoń
authors.forename: Marcin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Marcinkiewicz
authors.forename: Katarzyna
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Marciniak
authors.forename: Halina
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Milnerowicz
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003061:Codeine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D011044:Poland; D054199:Pseudoephedrine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013334:Students; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D054199:Pseudoephedrine; D003061:Codeine