The use of non-prescribed medication in the first 3 months of life in rural South Africa

Bland, R., Rollins, N.C., Broeck, J. v. d. and Coovadia, H.M. (2004) The use of non-prescribed medication in the first 3 months of life in rural South Africa. Tropical Medicine and International Health, 9(1), pp. 118-124. (doi: 10.1046/j.1365-3156.2003.01148.x)

Abstract

<b>Objective</b>  This paper describes the use of non-prescribed medications given to a cohort of infants in the first 3 months of life in a rural South African district, and discusses some of the implications for primary health care.<p></p> <b>Methods</b>  As part of an ongoing study on breastfeeding, a cohort of 110 infants were visited at home at 6 and 12 weeks of age. Any medications given to the infant since the last visit, the reasons for their administration, and any visits made to traditional healers were recorded via a semi-structured questionnaire. Determinants of administration of non-prescribed medication were analysed, including maternal age, education, infant gender and socio-economic factors.<p></p> <b>Results</b>  A total of 107 (97%) infants received non-prescribed medications in the first 3 months of life: 98 (89%) rectally and 64 (58%) orally. The most common enema contained traditional Zulu medicine made from herbs, given more than once weekly, usually for perceived constipation; the most common oral medication was gripe water, given once daily, mainly for ‘colic’ or ‘wind’. Twenty-nine (26%) mothers had consulted a traditional healer, most commonly because of concerns about a capillary naevus, thought to cause pain. Mothers with a ‘clean’ water supply were more likely to give non-prescribed oral medications than those without (OR = 2.7 and P = 0.0223), whilst those who had no education were less likely to administer them than those who had completed school (OR = 0.19 and P = 0.0326)<p></p> <b>Conclusions</b>  Non-prescribed medications are given almost universally to young infants in our area, irrespective of socio-economic class. Health professionals need to be aware of the extent of, and reasons for, administration of non-prescribed medications to young infants, so that effective health messages can be targeted at mothers and caregivers.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Bland, Dr Ruth
• Authors: Bland, R., Rollins, N.C., Broeck, J. v. d., and Coovadia, H.M.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Clinical Specialities
• Journal Name: Tropical Medicine and International Health
• Journal Abbr.: Trop Med Int Health
• ISSN: 1360-2276
• ISSN (Online): 1365-3156
• Published Online: 16 January 2004

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