Prevalence and Associated Factors of Regular Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs used in a Rural Community, Thailand

BACKGROUND: In Thailand, 67.2% of the population widely uses analgesics including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which may lead to serious side effects. However, the information of regular NSAIDs used in Thailand is still limited.

METHODS: A mixed method cross-sectional study was conducted. Quantitative data were collected using questionnaires to determine the prevalence and factors associated with regular NSAID use. The qualitative study was conducted using group and in-depth interviews to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices of NSAID users.

RESULTS: Of 771 participants, the prevalence of NSAID use was 31.1 and regular NSAID use was 7.4. Age, pain at the hips or thighs and pain score were independent factors associated with regular NSAID use. The qualitative study indicated that the use of NSAIDs was influenced by drug effectiveness, sources of NSAIDs and consideration of benefits and risks of the drugs.

CONCLUSION: This was the first report on the prevalence and associated factors of regular NSAID use in Thailand. In this community, nonprescribed NSAIDs might cause some serious side effects and undesirable drug interaction. Information on side effects of pain medications should be disseminated to the public including guidelines on how to use pain medications.