title: Knowledge and beliefs of young people about medicines in the UK.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate knowledge and beliefs regarding medicines among young people in the South-East of England.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional survey was conducted among young people aged 12-17 years in three state secondary schools which participated in the Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences Outreach Program (POP) - scientific workshops in south-east England.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One hundred questionnaires were successfully completed giving a response rate of 75%. The median knowledge score was 62.3% (±19.8). Increase in knowledge of medicines was positively associated with increase in age and with a positive belief about medicines. One of the questions answered that scored less than 50% was concerning the use of antibiotics.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Knowledge of medicines appeared to be adequate among young people and was higher with a positive belief about medicines. However, there was variability in how well different questions were answered suggesting inclusion in the school curriculum would be beneficial in order to reduce the misinformation that was apparent, particularly regarding the potential non-adherence to antibiotics.
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Science, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK.
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: MacAdam
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Science, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK.
authors.forename: Ela
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kaufman
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Science, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK.
authors.forename: Sian
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D003142:Communication; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003479:Curriculum; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016730:Program Development; D012574:Schools; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations
keywords: consumer attitudes; lay perspectives; patient attitudes