School Program Improves Adolescents' Knowledge of Responsible Medicine Use

Objective: The objective of this study was to improve understanding of medicine safety knowledge among 6^th grade students before and after participation in the OTC Literacy program. Methods: Among 1031 students attending 17 schools, the percentage of correct responses was calculated for total score and each learning objective; paired t-tests assessed pre-/post-program performance. Results: Program participation improved medicine-related knowledge in total score, for boys and girls, and in each type of school locale (ps < .001). Conclusions: Students who participated in the OTC Literacy program increased their medicine-related knowledge about safe, responsible use of OTC medicines in a variety of school locales. Early education can improve knowledge and may decrease medicine errors and misuse by fostering good life-long habits and attitudes about medicines.