Estudo do uso de analgésico por crianças e adolescentes de uma escola pública

Abstract

IIntroduction: Acetylsalicylic acid is one of the contraindicated analgesics in children and also in adults with dengue. Objective: It was evaluated the consumption of analgesics in students of EEEFM Santo Antonio, a public school in Sao Mateus, ES, Brazil, and examined their knowledge of the precautions associated with analgesics. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using an anonymous questionnaire survey that contained both open and closed questions. The questionnaire evaluated the following sociodemographic indicators: gender, age, grade, number of siblings, and mother's educational status. It also contained questions on the following factors, which were used to create the pharmacoepidemiological profile of analgesics: use of analgesics in the past 15 days, type of analgesic used, and indication for use. A question on the analgesics contraindicated during dengue was also included. Results: Most of the students who participated in the survey were females; the average household income was up to 2 minimum wages; and the mothers of most participants had attended only elementary school. Approximately 60% students reported consumption of analgesics during the 15 days preceding the survey. Of these 60%, 41% used dipyrone and 32.7% used acetaminophen. Most students reported that they consumed analgesics via self-medication, by prescription from the doctor, or on advice from a relative. For the question regarding the drugs contraindicated in case of dengue, 16.9%, 27.5%, and 30.6% students reported acetaminophen, dipyrone, and acetylsalicylic acid, respectively. Conclusions: The results showed that the majority of the study population consumed acetylsalicylic acid rarely. Self-medication of analgesics, such as dipyrone, and inappropriate drug use in younger children carry with it potential risks of adverse side effects.