Knowledge, use and common side effects of nonprescription analgesics among selected government servants working within Batticaloa municipal council area

Abstract

Background: Analgesics are any drugs that alleviate pain selectively without blocking the conduction of nerve impulses, significantly altering sensory perception, or affecting consciousness. The prevalence of chronic pain has increased in many populations, due to certain demographic factors. Selfmedication is becoming quite common in developing countries with both economic and social implications. This study is to evaluate the knowledge, use and common side effects associated with non-prescription analgesics. Objective: To assess the usage, factors associated with usage and the knowledge of non-prescription analgesics among selected government servants working within Batticaloa MC area. Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out over a period of one year among randomly selected government servants within the Batticaloa MC Area. The estimated sample size was 336 and data collection was done via a questionnaire and analysed using SPSS. Results: Respondent rate was 97.62% of which 74.4% were females. Of the total respondents 50.8% admitted the use of non-prescription analgesics which is high among males (59%) and in divorcees (75%). Of them, 57.1% studied up to A/L and 55.1% earns in between Rs 30,000-50, 000/month. The respondents working more than eight hours use more analgesics (61.1%) than who work lesser. The most used non-prescription analgesic is paracetamol 54.5% (n=108). Paracetamol+codeine, mefenamic acid, ibuprofen, diclofenac sodium, and aspirin are other OTC analgesics. Headache, general body pain and menstrual pain were reasons to use analgesics. Preferred OTC analgesic was paracetamol and 37.0% stated that the reason for use was previous experience. Of them 59.3% stated they buy from pharmacies. Multiple analgesics were taken by 4.1% Most used analgesics once per month. Of the total respondents 51.1% (n = 164) were aware about the side effects; heartburn, renal and liver failure while 18% experienced gastritis and heartburn. Overall, 50.7% stated they would report to physician if experienced such. Most, (37.03%) stated they would advise others to self-medicate, 28.71% believed self-prescribing to be time saving, 28.51% cost effective while only 5.74% believed that self-prescribing is harmful. Also 35.35% stated that they would advise others to take non-prescription analgesics, 29.27% believed it to be cost effective, 29.82% to be time saving, and 5.45% believed that taking non-prescription analgesics is harmful.Conclusion: Non-prescription analgesic usage among public is a concern in Batticaloa, as there is a prevalence of inappropriate self-medication of analgesics with poor awareness and knowledge. This demonstrates the need of awareness health education programmes targeted to this and similar population