Assessment of Medication Use Among Adolescents in Sarajevo Canton.

BACKGROUND

Adolescents are a susceptible population in terms of medication use. They are not only inclined to abuse illegal substances but are also prone to nonmedical medication use, which exposes them to a significant risk of various adverse drug reactions (ADR).

OBJECTIVE

This research aims to assess medication use among adolescents in Sarajevo Canton.

METHODS

This paper features information about the most frequently used medications, reasons for their use, sources of their procurement, ADR and concurrent use with other medications and/or alcohol. To obtain this data, a questionnaire with open- and close-ended questions was created. The survey was conducted online and 444 participants were included.

RESULTS

Medications were used by 90.1% of adolescents. The most commonly used medications were non-opioid analgesics, antibiotics, dietary supplements, antihistamines and benzodiazepines. Mild to moderate pain was the most frequent reason for medication use. Participants were at risk of ADR, drug-drug interactions (DDI), and drug-alcohol interactions.

CONCLUSION

It is up to healthcare workers, especially pharmacists, to educate and guide adolescent patients on rational medication use and inform them about potential dangers following the use of these medications.