World Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

USING NON-STEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS AND ITS RISKS IN CHILDREN WITH CHICKEN POX: THE MEASUREMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTION OF PARENTS

*Dr. Saeed Hassan Rajab and Dr. Siham Issa Muslim

ABSTRACT

Chicken pox is a common childhood infection. Children initially present with fever followed by a vesicular rash after 2 to 3 days. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) like Nurofen or Ibuprofen are commonly available over the counter antipyretic medications and are used initially in the management of fever by parents. This study aimed to measure the knowledge and understanding of parents about using NSAIDs during chicken pox infection and its related health risks. The study aimed to conduct a qualitative cross-sectional survey by undertaking semi-structured interviews with open-ended questionnaire with 50 randomly selected parents whose children were diagnosed with chicken pox infection over a 6 month period, within the primary health care setting. The main objective was to find out if parents were aware of the associated risks of NSAIDs use. A short literature review was conducted to gain further evidence about the use of NSAIDs medication in children diagnosed with chicken pox infection detailing the associated health risks and complications. Out of the total 50 parents interviewed, none were aware of NSAID associated risks during a chicken pox illness. 8(40%) of parents used both paracetamol as well as ibuprofen as the initial antipyretic medication, whilst 12 (60%) of parents used paracetamol alone. From the current study, it can be concluded that there was a clear lack of understanding of the parents about the choice of antipyretic medication in the management of fever in chicken pox infection. None of the parents were aware of the associated risks of skin infection and necrotising fasciitis with NSAID use. Hence, there is need to develop parental educational programs to improve their understanding in the management of fever during chicken pox illness.

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