Awareness among patients taking oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as analgesics: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Aim: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), the most used drugs for pain management, are among the most commonly prescribed drugs both in the world and in Turkey. NSAIDs have a serious side effect profile, and their inappropriate use can result in adverse outcomes, including mortality. This study aimed to determine consciousness level of drug use among patients who used oral NSAIDs for pain relief. Material and Method: This was a cross-sectional and descriptive study. The universe of the study consisted of patients aged ≥18 years who presented to the Ankara City Hospital Family Medicine Outpatient Clinic at the end of 2019 for any reason who used at least one type of oral NSAID for pain relief. Data were collected using a questionnaire developed by the researchers. Awareness was measured via a survey concerning knowledge and attitude, and knowledge and attitude scores were calculated for each participant. Significance was determined at a p<0.05 level. Results: There were 210 participants. The most used NSAID was diclofenac. The most common reasons for analgesics use were headache and musculoskeletal pain. Participants had poor knowledge of the diseases associated with NSAID use, and the most well-known diseases were stomach ulcer and bleeding and kidney failure. Participants' average knowledge scores were low, and average attitude scores were relatively higher. Women had significantly higher knowledge scores than men. Knowledge and attitude scores were positively associated with education and income status. Analgesics use was positively correlated with age and negatively correlated with attitude scores. Participants with chronic diseases had lower attitude scores than those without chronic diseases. Knowledge and attitude scores were positively correlated. Conclusion:We conclude that participants lacked knowledge about the general characteristics of and risks associated with NSAIDs, widely used, over-the-counter drugs that are found in almost every home. A more cost-effective, knowledgeable, and rational approach is required for NSAID use.

Charting the Knowledge and Patterns of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Usage in Hail Population, Saudi Arabia: Insights into the Adverse Effect Profile

“…Our study further revealed that the predominant NSAID used was diclofenac, which aligns with prior research conducted in Saudi Arabia, where diclofenac was reported as the most frequently used drug within the country across all drug classes [7]. Additionally, consistent with findings from a study in Turkey, diclofenac emerged as the most commonly used NSAID [23]. In contrast, a study conducted in Saudi Arabia found that the prevalent type of NSAID was ibuprofen [15].…”

Charting the Knowledge and Patterns of Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs Usage in Hail Population, Saudi Arabia: Insights into the Adverse Effect Profile

“…Our study further revealed that the predominant NSAID used was diclofenac, which aligns with prior research conducted in Saudi Arabia, where diclofenac was reported as the most frequently used drug within the country across all drug classes [24]. Additionally, consistent with findings from a study in Turkey, diclofenac emerged as the most commonly used NSAID [25]. In contrast, a study conducted in Saudi Arabia found that the prevalent type of NSAID was ibuprofen [26].…”