Paper/Poster Title
Improving cough and cold OTC medication use for children in Hardin County
Sponsor
Natalie DiPietro Mager, PhD
Ohio Northern University
Pharmacy Practice
n-dipietro@onu.edu
Advisor(s)
Natalie DiPietro Mager, PhD
Ohio Northern University
Pharmacy Practice
n-dipietro@onu.edu
Document Type
Poster
Start Date
23-4-2021 9:00 AM
Abstract
Background: Ohio struggles with high infant mortality rates. This project was designed to combat incorrect use of cough and cold over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Parents or caregivers, especially those with low health literacy, often use these medications incorrectly in infants, sometimes leading to a fatal outcome.
Methods: Utilizing a three-pronged approach, this IRB-approved project addresses the issue of incorrect cough and cold OTC medications use for infants in Hardin County. Passive education was provided to community members via social media/flyers, educational interventions were performed with community members (virtual or in-person), and continuing professional development (CPD) was provided to pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in Hardin County.
Results: Passive education was disseminated in Hardin County. Thirty-eight community members attended the educational interventions; comparison of pre- and post-tests found statistically significant increases in knowledge (p=0.028). All participants indicated the information received was helpful, and 53% indicated they would change how cough and cold medications were administered. Thirteen professionals completed CPD; average post-test score=93%.
Conclusion: It is important to teach parents and caregivers about proper use of cough and cold OTC medications. Education classes were effective in increasing community members’ knowledge, and CPD for pharmacy professionals reinforced opportunities for patient counseling.
Recommended Citation
Kern, Kelly M. and Lipson, Molly, "Improving cough and cold OTC medication use for children in Hardin County" (2021). ONU Student Research Colloquium. 29.
https://digitalcommons.onu.edu/student_research_colloquium/2021/posters/29
Open Access
Available to all.
Included in
Other Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Commons, Public Health Education and Promotion Commons
Improving cough and cold OTC medication use for children in Hardin County
Background: Ohio struggles with high infant mortality rates. This project was designed to combat incorrect use of cough and cold over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Parents or caregivers, especially those with low health literacy, often use these medications incorrectly in infants, sometimes leading to a fatal outcome.
Methods: Utilizing a three-pronged approach, this IRB-approved project addresses the issue of incorrect cough and cold OTC medications use for infants in Hardin County. Passive education was provided to community members via social media/flyers, educational interventions were performed with community members (virtual or in-person), and continuing professional development (CPD) was provided to pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in Hardin County.
Results: Passive education was disseminated in Hardin County. Thirty-eight community members attended the educational interventions; comparison of pre- and post-tests found statistically significant increases in knowledge (p=0.028). All participants indicated the information received was helpful, and 53% indicated they would change how cough and cold medications were administered. Thirteen professionals completed CPD; average post-test score=93%.
Conclusion: It is important to teach parents and caregivers about proper use of cough and cold OTC medications. Education classes were effective in increasing community members’ knowledge, and CPD for pharmacy professionals reinforced opportunities for patient counseling.