Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Usage of Them among Saudi Population: Knowledge and Attitude Assessment

Aims: To measure knowledge and attitude among the Saudi population about non-steroidal inflammatory drugs.

Study Design: This is an observational cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Conducted in the north region of Saudi Arabia between June 2020 and July 2021.

Methodology: The data collection done by using an electronic questionnaire. Total sample size of 1018 participants, aged between 15-60, Female and Male, agree to participate. Each person meeting the inclusion criteria was provided informed consent, explaining the study aim, and ensuring the confidentiality of information. Data were obtained by filling out the designed Questionnaire.

Results: A total of 1018 participants completed the survey questionnaire. About 81% of the study participants stated that they have a history of analgesic use without physician prescription in the past six months. More than 30% of participants stated that the pharmacist is the frequent source of recommendation about medication. The most common indication for the participants to use analgesia was headache followed by insomnia.

Conclusion: The awareness and attitude of the participants to NSAIDs' usage and its complications was not that adequate. Paracetamol was the most usually used analgesic. It must to teach and strengthen the awareness among citizens about the proper method to use NSAIDs.