Knowledge and beliefs of young people about medicines in the UK

Objectives: To investigate knowledge and beliefs regarding medicines among young people in the South-East of England. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among young people aged 12–17 years in three state secondary schools which participated in the Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences Outreach Program (POP) – scientific workshops in south-east England. Key findings: One hundred questionnaires were successfully completed giving a response rate of 75%. The median knowledge score was 62.3% (±19.8). Increase in knowledge of medicines was positively associated with increase in age and with a positive belief about medicines. One of the questions answered that scored less than 50% was concerning the use of antibiotics. Conclusions: Knowledge of medicines appeared to be adequate among young people and was higher with a positive belief about medicines. However, there was variability in how well different questions were answered suggesting inclusion in the school curriculum would be beneficial in order to reduce the misinformation that was apparent, particularly regarding the potential non-adherence to antibiotics.