Stasio MJ, Curry K, Sutton-Skinner KM, Glassman DM. Over-the-counter medication and herbal or dietary supplement use in college: dose frequency and relationship to self-reported distress.
JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2008;
56:535-547. [PMID:
18400666 DOI:
10.3200/jach.56.5.535-548]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
A growing number of researchers have examined the use of over-the-counter (OTC) medications and herbal or dietary supplements among college students. There is concern about the efficacy and safety of these products, particularly because students appear to use them at a higher rate than does the general public.
PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS
The authors administered surveys to college students (N = 201) to assess the frequency of use in the past week.
RESULTS
A substantial percentage reported using OTC medications (74.1%), herbal or dietary supplements (70.6%), or both concurrently (61.2%). Dose frequency of OTC medications was the best predictor of self-reported emotional distress in the past week. Higher doses of products containing pseudoephedrine or valerian were associated with self-reported anxiety.
CONCLUSIONS
These data further reflect an increasing trend toward self-medication among college students. Investigators must conduct reliability and validity studies to evaluate the clinical utility of the measurement tool developed in this study.
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