Examination of Mothers' Over-The-Counter-Medication (OTC) Usage at Home According to Different Socioeconomic and Health Literacy Levels

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine mothers' OTC medication usage at home according to different socioeconomic and health literacy levels and the effecting factors. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in three family health centers from different socioeconomic levels (low-middle-high) between September 2018 and February 2019. The sample of the study consisted of 300 mothers of 0-18-year-old children who met the research criteria. Data were collected through "Data Collection Form" and "Adult Health Literacy Scale". Results: It was determined that mothers in low socioeconomic group had high level of OTC medication usage to their children at home. A significant relationship was found between the mean scores of mothers' health literacy and socioeconomic level (p<0.000). The mean scores of mothers' health literacy in low socioeconomic group who used OTC medication to their children at home are lower than mothers who did not use OTC medication (p: 0.041). It was determined that child's age (OR=1.01, p=0.045), regular medication usage in mother (OR=2.11, p=0.014) and reading the prospectus before giving medication to their child (OR=3.14, p=0.005) effected to mothers' OTC medication usage at home. Conclusion: This study emphasized that low socioeconomic and health literacy levels may cause mothers' OTC medication usage to their children at home. OTC medication usage can be decreased with education programs that take into account the effecting factors to mothers' OTC medication usage and aim to increase health literacy levels.