Based on the revision of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law in 2008 and the direction for strengthening medical education expressed in the courses of study, we conducted a mail survey with the aim of clarifying the students' current state of knowledge and awareness of the correct use of medicine, and the status of the implementation of medical education at school. This questionnaire survey targeted elementary, junior high- and high school students and teachers of the schools in Japan. We received valid responses from 5,612 students and 146 teachers. The results of students indicate that, when they used medicine, approximately 80% talked with their parents or grandparents. As they advance in age, consultation with family or teachers tends to decrease, and the use of medicine at their own discretion seems to increase. However, some students received medicine from friends. Considering the potential for adverse effects caused by individual differences, this issue deserves attention. According to the results obtained from teachers, medical education had been performed in 24.0% of elementary schools, 45.5% of junior high schools and 70.0% of high schools. Since many teachers answered that they wanted to participate in the workshop, their interest in medical education remains high.
Based on the results of this survey, we clarified the involvement with students and medicine, lack of knowledge about medicine, teachers' awareness and current state of medical education. We hope that these results will contribute to medical education.
