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The Journal of School Nursing
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Research Articles

Parent-Reported Medication Use in a Head Start Population

Tara M. Brinkman, MA, CAS

Tara M. Brinkman, MA, CAS, is a school psychology doctoral student in the Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology, and Special Education, Michigan State University, East Lansing

John S. Carlson, PhD

John S. Carlson, PhD, is an associate professor in the Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology, and Special Education, Michigan State University, East Lansing

This study investigates the prevalence of medication use within a Head Start population. Parent-reported data (N = 1,397) from initial enrollment information indicated 6.8% of children were taking 34 different types of medication. More than two thirds (69%) of those on medication were prescribed more than one medication, and more than one third (37%) were taking three or more medications. The majority of children were reported to be taking medications that were asthma (88%) or allergy (17%) related. Psychotropic medications accounted for 4% of the medications, indicating a prevalence of less than 0.3%. African American and Hispanic children were overrepresented in those taking medicines. School nurses can work with parents and caregivers of Head Start children by raising awareness of (1) the benefits and side effects of medications commonly taken within this population, (2) the significant role that asthma medications play in low-income areas, and (3) the issues and challenges associated with polypharmacy practices.

Key Words: medication • preschool • Head Start • asthma • allergy • attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

The Journal of School Nursing, Vol. 24, No. 5, 319-325 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/1059840508319626
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