Pattern of Use and Awareness of Side Effects of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in the General Population

Abstract

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly utilized to reduce pain, inflammation, and fever. This study aimed to assess patterns of use and awareness of NSAID-related side-effects in an adult Jordanian. And the associations with sociodemographic factors. This cross-sectional study among a representative sample of 604 adults >18 years. A validated, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect basic sociodemographic data from the participants, as well as information regarding NSAID use. Most respondents were NSAID users (65.7%), of which the majority were predominantly female (56.7%) and under 50 years of age (76.3%). Overall, 42.6% had been prescribed NSAIDs by a physician. Female respondents and those with government insurance more frequently utilizing NSAIDs (p = 0.029 and 0.032, respectively). In contrast, smokers and individuals with a history of diabetes mellitus or hypertension were less likely to use NSAIDs (p = 0.0.24, 0.026, and 0.021, respectively). Overall, 65.1% were aware of kidney NSAID-related side-effects and 22.4% were aware of the increased risk of asthma and allergy. Despite the high frequency of NSAID use in the Jordanian general population, there is limited knowledge of their side-effects as well as drug interactions. This is cause for concern, particularly as many participants reported having been prescribed NSAIDs by physicians without adequate patient safety education.