Knowledge of University Students About Use, Dose and Side Effects of Non-Steroidal Anti- Inflammatory Drugs

Abstract

Background: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely prescribed and used medications that are used as analgesics, antipyretics, or anti-inflammatories, but have a high risk of adverse effects.
Methods:  A  descriptive  cross-sectional  study  was  conducted  among university students at Tikrit University, Iraq, during November 2021 to March 2022. A self-administered questionnaire by Google Form was used. Aim: to  assess  the  awareness  among  university  students  in  Tikrit University, Iraq, about Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). The students selected in this study were from different colleges (Medical and non-medical).
Results: The results of this work show that 65.3% of the university students had knowledge about NSAIDs, their uses and side effects. 69% of the students  confirmed that they use  NSAIDs; the majority of them were females.  About  21%  used  NSAIDs  continuously,  and  47%  on  need. Regarding the frequency of use, 12.2% were used NSAIDs once daily, 13.2 %  twice  daily  and  5.3% three  times  daily. The  knowledge  about  the appropriate dose is low; only 46% of the respondents knew about the safe dose of NSAIDs, and most of them were from a medical college. Only 40% of respondents think these drugs are safe for use, 35% think they’re not safe, and 25% didn’t know. The commitment to the dose is 77.2%.
Conclusion: The present study revealed a limited individual's knowledge about  the  NSAIDs  usage,  dosage  and  adverse  effects  among  Tikrit University. Students need more education or consultations with the health care team, especially the pharmacists, in order to reduce their misuse or abuse or even unnecessary prescriptions.