Parenting, health, and use of medications among college youth: The PHARMACY survey study

Abstract Prescription medication misuse represents a major public health concern, with high rates of negative consequences observed among youth. The current study examines the potential roles parents can play in mitigating youth prescription-related harm, with a particular focus on opioid and antibiotic safety. A sample of 167 students from a mid-sized college in the Northeast U.S. were surveyed on their prescription medication knowledge, comfort, and behaviors and perceptions of their parents’ behaviors. Results showed that parenting behaviors like targeted discussions on prescription medication safety (e.g., proper disposal of excess medication) were associated with greater medication-related comfort, which, in turn, was associated with safer prescription medication behaviors.