The rationale, organisation and evaluation of a campaign to increase the use of sugar-free paediatric medicines.

OBJECTIVE

To conduct and evaluate a dental health education campaign to encourage the use of sugar-free rather than sugar-containing medicines.

DESIGN

Meetings were organised for general medical practitioners, pharmacists and health visitors where the campaign was explained and discussed. Leaflets were given to parents by the health professionals. The campaign targeted the use of children's medicines from several aspects, namely when recommended, prescribed, sold and used.

SETTING

The campaign was conducted in the North West Region.

SUBJECTS

The campaign was directed at parents of young children, and health professionals, namely, general medical practitioners, pharmacists and health visitors.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Evaluation was by means of questionnaires, sales figures and prescriptions of medicines.

RESULTS

There was an increase in the proportion of sugar-free paracetamol prescribed in five out of six districts. The frequency of sugar intakes as an important cause of dental caries was not understood by many health professionals.

CONCLUSIONS

Continued education for health professionals is needed in order to show the importance of the frequency of sugar intakes and to dispel some prevalent dental health misconceptions.