Determinants and effects of self-administration with NSAIDs in a tertiary care hospital of Eastern India

Abstract

Introduction: Self-Medication is a practice common in developing countries, and accepted in society, unlike the western world. NSAIDs are responsible for the delayed diagnosis (due to suppression of clinical features), disease progression and adverse effects. Objective: To determine the factors leading to self-administration of NSAIDs, their usage pattern and possible adverse effects. To compare NSAID's use by prescription and over the counter acquisition. Materials and Methods: The present study investigates the determinants and effects of self-administration of NSAIDs by patients attending a tertiary care hospital during August-October 2019. The patients were interviewed regarding basic socio demographic variables, their rationale behind taking NSAIDs along with adverse effects experienced by them with a validated questionnaire. Their awareness pertaining to the drugs was also assessed. Results: 55.2% of the population were aware about adverse drug reaction due to NSAIDs but only 17% suffered any consequence of such activity. 23% of the patients were not aware about the nature of the disease whereas 44.2% visited physician less than 1 month. Awareness regarding adverse drug reaction is more in elderly and middle aged in compare to youth. The intention to administer the drugs was relief of musculoskeletal pain (62.9%) followed by relief of headache (15.2%) followed by others. The people at the medicine shops are advisors to majority of the people administering drugs without prescription (42.9%) followed by family members (32.4%), colleagues as well as friends. Conclusion:We found large proportion of patients taking self-prescribed NSAIDs for symptomatic relief and advice by overenthusiastic peers.