Factors influencing identification capability of adverse drug reactions in children aged 8–18 years based on social cognitive theory

To investigate the factors associated with Identification Capability of Adverse Drug Reactions in children aged 8–18 years. A self-designed questionnaire based on Social Cognitive Theory was administered to children aged 8–18 years in China. The survey was conducted both online and offline. Structural equation modeling was applied to analyze the factors influencing the identification of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) in children. A total of 5191 questionnaires were administered in this study, of which 4431 valid responses were included in the final analysis. All Pearson correlations among variables were statistically significant. All variables demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach's α > 0.7), and the data were suitable for factor analysis (KMO = 0.952 Bartlett's test, p < 0.05). Confirmatory factor analysis supports the construction of the model. The structural equation model demonstrated a good fit to the data (CMIN/DF4.258, <5; RMSEA 0.027, <0.08; NFI、IFI、TLI、CFI、GFI > 0.9). As indicated by the structural equation model, children's ability to identify adverse drug reactions was positively influenced by self-efficacy (β = 0.199, p < 0.05), media use (β = 0.163, p < 0.05), psychological well-being (β = 0.151, p < 0.05), medication literacy (β = 0.142, p < 0.05) and family environment (β = 0.141, p < 0.05). Additionally, the family environment exerted a significant positive effect on psychological well-being, which in turn significantly enhanced self-efficacy. Positive mental state, high medication literacy, and favorable growth environment are all contribute to an enhanced ability to self-identify adverse drug reactions. Targeted interventions are essential for promoting lifelong health management and ensuring medication safety in children.