Use of self-medication among adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: We performed a systematic review and proportion meta-analysis in order to investigate the prevalence and the adverse effects of the self-medication among the teenagers. METHODS: We selected observational studies published from January 1990 until January 2014 that examined the use of self-medication in the adolescents (aged from 13 to 18 years). Keywords used on PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge and Scopus were 'self medication', 'adolescent*', 'self prescription', 'over the counter preparations' and 'self administration'. RESULTS: Finally, 15 articles met the inclusion criteria, for a total of 143 213 subjects involved. Overall, 50% of adolescents use to take drugs without consulting a physician. Further analyses stratified by number of drugs used demonstrated that in the studies reporting that adolescents use more than one type of drug the prevalence rises up to 63%. Only one study reported the possible adverse effects related to the inappropriate use of drugs, which were experienced by 31.1% of the females and 19.6% of the males. CONCLUSIONS: Self-medication use among adolescents is a widespread phenomenon. It would be advisable to give more attention on this public health concern and to promote initiatives, such as mass media campaigns and governmental actions, in order to make the citizens more aware to the risks related to the consumption of drugs without medical consultation. Further studies on adverse effects are urgently needed.

Influenza vaccination coverage among medical residents: an Italian multicenter survey.

Although influenza vaccination is recognized to be safe and effective, recent studies have confirmed that immunization coverage among health care workers remain generally low, especially among medical residents (MRs). Aim of the present multicenter study was to investigate attitudes and determinants associated with acceptance of influenza vaccination among Italian MRs. A survey was performed in 2012 on MRs attending post-graduate schools of 18 Italian Universities. Each participant was interviewed via an anonymous, self-administered, web-based questionnaire including questions on attitudes regarding influenza vaccination. A total of 2506 MRs were recruited in the survey and 299 (11.9%) of these stated they had accepted influenza vaccination in 2011-2012 season. Vaccinated MRs were older (P = 0.006), working in clinical settings (P = 0.048), and vaccinated in the 2 previous seasons (P<0.001 in both seasons). Moreover, MRs who had recommended influenza vaccination to their patients were significantly more compliant with influenza vaccination uptake in 2011-2012 season (P<0.001). "To avoid spreading influenza among patients" was recognized as the main reason for accepting vaccination by less than 15% of vaccinated MRs. Italian MRs seem to have a very low compliance with influenza vaccination and they seem to accept influenza vaccination as a habit that is unrelated to professional and ethical responsibility. Otherwise, residents who refuse vaccination in the previous seasons usually maintain their behaviors. Promoting correct attitudes and good practice in order to improve the influenza immunization rates of MRs could represent a decisive goal for increasing immunization coverage among health care workers of the future.