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BMC Pediatrics

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Open Access 01-12-2022 | Research

Non-prescription treatments for childhood infections: an Austrian, monocentric, cross-sectional questionnaire study

Authors: Matthias Gerlitz, Peter Voitl, Julian J. M. Voitl, Susanne C. Diesner-Treiber

Published in: BMC Pediatrics | Issue 1/2022

Abstract

Background

Infectious diseases like the common cold, otitis media, or gastroenteritis frequently occur in childhood. In addition to prescription drugs, parents often use supplementary over-the-counter (OTC) products recommended by pharmacists and other non-medical professionals to relieve their children’s symptoms. However, the efficacy of such alternative treatments lacks conclusive evidence.

The objective of this study was to investigate the use of OTC products and related active ingredients in children, and the motivations behind this choice.

Methods

The present study included 215 children aged between 1 and 14 years with an acute respiratory tract infection, e.g., common cold, bronchitis, otitis media, tonsillitis, or gastroenteritis. During their visit to the pediatric practice, parents filled in a self-administered questionnaire about their child’s diagnosis, additional treatment options, and motivations to integrate supplementary medicinal products after their first visit for acute infection or follow-up examination. Children with chronic illnesses and patients visiting for a routine maternal and child health program check-up were excluded.

Results

The study included 111 (51.6%) males and 104 (48.4%) females. Median age was 3.00 (IQR 2.0 – 5.0) years. The most common reason for a visit was a respiratory tract infection (78.6%). Out of 215 parents, 182 (84.7%) resorted to non-prescription remedies to alleviate their child’s symptoms. Teas (45.1%), and home remedies (43.3%) were the most popular. At total 133 (74.3%) followed recommendations from friends and family regarding additional medications usage. Parents with previous experience with complementary medicine tended to prefer this approach to treat their children (p.adjust = 0.08).

Conclusion

The use of non-prescription medicine is increasing as well as the range of related information sources. Evidence-based recommendations in this field might improve pediatric care.

Available only for authorised users

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Title: Non-prescription treatments for childhood infections: an Austrian, monocentric, cross-sectional questionnaire study
Authors: Matthias Gerlitz
Peter Voitl
Julian J. M. Voitl
Susanne C. Diesner-Treiber
Publication date: 01-12-2022
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Pediatrics / Issue 1/2022
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2431
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-022-03220-6

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Non-prescription treatments for childhood infections: an Austrian, monocentric, cross-sectional questionnaire study

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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