Limitations in Daily Activities as the Strongest Predictor of Pharmacotherapy Usage for Pain in Indonesia

Abstract

Background: Many factors have been reported to contribute to a decrease in the use of pharmacotherapy to control pain, including the complexity of the medication regime, lack of efficacy, side effects, and cost considerations. Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify the significant factors associated with the use of pharmacotherapy in pain relief among Indonesian population. Methods: The data was obtained from the fifth wave of the Indonesian Family Life Survey (IFLS-5). The sample size was 11,516 persons aged 21-60 years with recent pain. Logistic regressions were utilized to explore the associations between independent characteristics and the outcome of medication use for pain complaints. Results: The majority of the participants were females between the ages of 31 and 40, had a high school diploma or less, were working, practiced Islam, and had no restrictions on their daily activities. The proportions of pharmacotherapy users and non- pharmacotherapy users were 51.44% and 48.56%, respectively. Female gender, older age, poor education level, and limitations in daily activities were all linked with a higher usage of medication. Conclusion: In the Indonesian population, having limitations in daily activities was the strongest predictor of pharmacotherapy usage for recent pain. Implication: People who are older, female, or have a poorer level of education should be the primary focus of education to enhance the pharmacological management of their pain.