How do parents influence their adolescents’ use of over‐the‐counter analgesics: A review of the current literature

Abstract

Aim and objectives Continuous use of over‐the‐counter analgesics (OTCAs) may prevent adolescents from learning healthier options and might lead to lifelong use of such medicines. It is possible that parents’ own use of OTCAs might influence adolescents, but little is known about this issue. Our research questions were; “What are the main factors leading to a high use of OTCAs among adolescents and how can health professionals support these adolescents in their pain management?” Background Frequent consumption of OTCAs may cause health problems such as drug‐induced headache and liver failure. Some adolescents frequently use non‐prescribed pain medication and their attitudes towards the use of OTCAs vary from responsible to careless. Design A “systematic search and review” was conducted between March 2017 and May 2018. Quantitative and qualitative studies were included. Methods We used the PRISMA Statement checklist, the PRISMA flow diagram and The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme for quality appraisal. Our search identified 3,386 possible sources, 2,043 articles were selected for title examination, and 70 articles underwent abstract review. Fourteen articles were reviewed entirety. Ten articles were of acceptable quality. Results The importance of parental influence on adolescent use of OTCAs is significant. These findings seem to be independent of country and culture. Conclusion Parents are the most important source of information regarding the use of OTCAs; further, they are the main supplier of the medicine. A broad understanding of human development, health, pain and use of pain medication is needed to develop targeted information and support adolescents with high consumption of non‐prescription pain medication. Relevance to clinical practice Information from professionals such as school nurses is important. Professionals must consider the physical, social and psychological aspects influencing the use of OTCAs. Information should be made available to adolescents, parents and society in general.

Health-related quality of life is strongly associated with self-efficacy, self-esteem, loneliness, and stress in 14–15-year-old adolescents: a cross-sectional study

“…Considering the relatively low intensity of pain reported, this might indicate that the adolescents use OTC analgesics for reasons other than only pain relief. Frequent consumption of OTC analgesics may cause health problems such as drug‐induced headache and liver failure [ 70 ]; thus, our findings emphasize that the use of OTC analgesics among adolescents should be regarded as a significant health concern. According to Skarstein et al [ 70 ], informing adolescents, parents, and the society in general about how to use OTC analgesics appropriately should be a high priority.…”

Behavioral Intervention and Disposal of Leftover Opioids: A Randomized Trial

“…35 Additionally, mothers have been found to strongly influence their teenagers' analgesic use and information. 36,37 To interrupt the modeled pattern of medication misuse, assessments and interventions must first target parents.…”

It hurts inside: a qualitative study investigating social exclusion and bullying among adolescents reporting frequent pain and high use of non-prescription analgesics

“…Further, a reduced faith in their own resources to handle psychosocial stress might underpin the need for medication [ 40 ]. Such belief in the medication, in combination with a learned attitude to use pain medication when experiencing an unpleasant feeling perceived as pain, as well as easy access to the medicine, can underpin the frequency of intake [ 45 , 46 ].…”

“…Therefore, it is of high importance to investigate the peer community when an induvial reports bullying. Health professionals such as school nurses and teachers should be aware that frequently pain, depression and psychosocial difficulties might origin from bullying [ 46 , 47 ]. Research have also shown that safe, supportive, and effective schools will reduce school violence.…”