Awareness of Physicians Working in Kayseri of the Age Limits Related to the Use of Cough and Cold Medicines in Children

Özet

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to examine the awareness of physicians concerning the age limit regulations related to the use of cough and cold medicines (CCM) in children. Methods: A questionnaire including 12 questions was distributed to 180 pediatricians in Kayseri. In the first part of the questionnaire, the questions were covering demographic characteristics. In the second part, physicians were asked about the drugs they were prescribing and that were among 30 drugs for which the age limits were changed. Results: Of the180 practitioners who participated in the study, 91 (50.56%) were aware of a new regulation on the age limits and CCM use. However, only 5 physicians involved in the study (2.77%) preferred the new arrangement where the appropriate age for all the drugs was determined. Discussion and Conclusion: Physicians’ awareness about the new regulations regarding the age limits and CCM use was at a low level. Integrating up-to-date drug guidelines into hospital and family medicine information management systems will contribute significantly to the elimination of such shortcomings.