Sammanfattning
Adolescents’ use of over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics is increasing. However, our knowledge on their patterns of use and their attitudes
towards such analgesics is limited and the aim of this study is to increase our understanding of adolescents’ use of OTC-analgesics by focusing
on their knowledge of -, their experiences with - and their attitudes to use OTC-analgesics. Data were collected through focus group interviews
with 29 adolescents from Oslo and analysed using qualitative content analysis. Indications for use of OTC-analgesics vary across a wide continuum,
from treatment to prevention of different kinds of pain and discomfort. OTC-analgesics are judged by the adolescents as safe to use and
with few side effects. The threshold for use is relatively low, especially among girls and the analgesics are easy to access. Adolescents’ understanding
of the effects and side effects of OTC-analgesics is incomplete. Their consumption of such analgesics indicates an attitude that tablets
make an easy solution to a variety of problems, pain and discomfort, especially among girls.