The Prevalence of Medication use in a Head Start Preschool Sample

Authors

  • Erin Seif Michigan State University
  • John Carlson Michigan State University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55370/hsdialog.v17i4.102

Keywords:

psychotropic medication, medication, preschool, Head Start

Abstract

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This descriptive study examined the prevalence of pharmacological and psychopharmacological medication use in a Head Start preschool sample, as well as trends in medication use based on gender, ethnicity, and behavioral characteristics. The participants for this study included 1,544 parents of children ages 2 to 5 years old enrolled in a Head Start program during the 2008-2009 academic year in three diverse Michigan counties. Fifteen percent of children in this sample (n =233) were taking medication on a regular basis according to parent report. Pharmacological treatments accounted for 98.2% (n =306) of the medications in the sample. Sixty-nine percent (n =214) of medications reported were asthma related, significantly less than was reported in this population of children just two years ago. The importance of educating parents about the lack of a research base and potential side effects of common medications given to preschool children is discussed.

Author Biographies

Erin Seif, Michigan State University

Doctoral Candidate

Michigan State University School Psychology Program

John Carlson, Michigan State University

School Psychology Program Director

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Published

2014-04-24

Issue

Vol. 17 No. 4

Section

Research Articles

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