Bundesgesundheitsblatt, Gesundheitsforschung, Gesundheitsschutz
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Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz · May 2007
[Medicine use in children and adolescents. Data collection and first results of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS)].
In the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS), data on the current use of medicines during the last 7 days prior to the examination were collected from 17,450 subjects aged 0 to 17 years by means of a standardised interview conducted by a physician. 50.8 % of all children and adolescents reported to have used at least 1 medication. Prevalence was found to be highest (74.9 %) in the age group 0 to 2 years. Girls showed with 53.1% a significantly higher prevalence rate than boys (48.7 %). ⋯ The results presented here describe the key points of medicine use among children and adolescents in Germany and are representative for this population segment. Based on the extensive data collected, further aspects, such as co- and multi-medication, are addressed. In addition, special drug segments of public health interest shall be represented in the future.