What do young people think about prescription and over-the-counter medicines? This article highlights the findings of a research project that asked that question of more than 70 young people aged 10–18 years. The research, conducted by the NSW Commission for Children and Young People, involved focus groups in Bathurst, Campbelltown, North Sydney and Wollongong, and an online discussion forum held over the same four-day period as the focus groups.

Perceptions of safety

Many of the young people thought that, in general, prescription and over-the-counter medicines were safe, unlike illegal and age-restricted drugs. Many believed that if medicines were readily available then they were safe. However, some believed that any medicines could be potentially harmful.

‘There’s basically two types — the ones that help you when you’re sick and the ones that hurt you like crack, dope and alcohol.’

‘All drugs can affect your health in negative ways.’

Many young people believed that if medicines were readily available then they were safe.

Information sources

The young peoples’ main sources of information about medicines were their parents, particularly their mothers, and their doctors. Many of them trusted their parents to give them good advice when they were sick.

‘Mum tells me all that stuff, so I don’t really have to think about it.’

They were less satisfied with their doctors’ advice and directions, and often relied on parents to translate for them. However, some realised their parents also had difficulties understanding doctors.

‘I think they need to get rid of their jargon a lot of the time and speak in terms we can understand.’

‘Most of the time I get Mum to explain it, but sometimes she doesn’t understand.’

Dealing with doctors

Some young people had helpful and approachable doctors, while others felt their doctors could not relate to them or communicate with them.

‘I’m invisible. I’m the patient getting checked out and here’s the doctor talking to my Mum about something that’s wrong with my body.’

Some wanted to know about non-drug treatments, and some did not feel comfortable discussing issues such as side effects of medicines.

‘People always seem to think that the answer is medication, they don’t think of trying diet, exercise or counselling before trying a pill … Doctors could try to educate patients before automatically prescribing.

‘I am usually more focused on getting out of the GP’s office more than anything else so I don’t ask many questions about medications and side effects.’

Medicines at school

Some young people told of the difficulties they experienced with medicines at school.

‘I had to change my medication times as I was having a hard time getting out of class. I have to time my medication to the correct amount of hours apart, so changing the hours can leave me up late at night — so this is frustrating at times.’

Sharing medicines

The 10–12 year olds thought sharing medicines was wrong. However, many of the older participants regarded it as normal, and some talked about sharing, buying and selling medicines at school. The most commonly shared medicines appeared to be Ritalin, Ventolin puffers and weight loss medicines.

‘I don’t think you should share your medicines, because what if it doesn’t fit your body?’

‘Giving drugs (medications) to your friends is not a big deal — you can’t stop it — it’s just inevitable.’

Some young people did not feel it was always necessary to warn their friends about the dangers or side effects of the medicines they were trading, because they thought they were safer than illegal and age-restricted drugs.

‘If they’re good friends you will tell them the side effects, but if you don’t know the person you will just give it to them and say, ”just take this”.’

Conclusion

‘The research highlights the importance of knowing how to communicate, build relationships and involve children and young people in decisions about medications,’ said Gillian Calvert, NSW Commissioner for Children and Young People.

A more detailed report of the research can be found on the Commission for Children and Young People website at www.kids.nsw.gov.au.