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 awareness among patients who presented to a family medicine outpatient clinic 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 painkiller 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. Painkiller 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.