2019 Volume 28 Pages 59-68
The purpose of this study is to elucidate the language and behavior of children who are reluctant to take medicine orally when they receive encouragement to do so, and collect fundamental data for inferring their understanding and perception of taking medicine. The author observed 20 children of 1-3 years of age and their parents taking medicine, interpreted and categorized their understanding and perception of oral administration while considering the development stage at each age. The results of the study state that 1-year-old children were able to “select” one option out of two, and showed “understanding” of things and food used during oral administration. Children of age two and three had “conflicts” against oral administration, but could take medicine when they were “prepared,” and they could “select” and show “self-determination” when they were to make choices. In addition, children showed understanding of more complex stuff as they got older. For instance, 2-year-old children showed understanding of preparation and quantity or volume of medicines, while 3-year-old children understood when to take medicine and which medicine they disliked. Also, children in their early childhood faced oral administration with “motivation” and “interest” even for the medicine they disliked, and were “delighted” and “proud” of it when they were able to take them.
