Drug Use Themes for Teachers of Health

Abstract

Content analysis was conducted on twenty-one curriculum guides used in state health instruction programs. In grades 9–12, the major emphasis was placed on the applications and on the dangers of the use of medications. In grades K-8, safety considerations such as proper storage received more attention. There was little information on the mechanism of action of medications, even though the audience for the guides includes teachers. Aside from frequent mention of the value of immunizations, the benefits of modern medicines received comparatively little attention. The pharmacist was the most frequently mentioned health professional.