Awareness and use of over the counter analgesic medication

What is it about?

The aim of this study was to explore the self-medication with OTC analgesics practice and awareness among the public in Aseer, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted between June and October 2017 among the public in the Aseer region, Saudi Arabia. 468 out 600 of the distributed questionnaires were completed. The majority of respondents were female (53.8%, n=254). About 48.7% of the respondents were younger than 25 years old. 72.6% of participants graduated or learned at university. The majority of participants are singles (78%, n=345). were of participants in this study are Saudis (96.9%). The prevalence of self-medication with OTC analgesics was 53.5 %. Paracetamol was the most common analgesic used by the participants in this study (68.2%) followed by Ibuprofen (23%). headache was reported as the most common symptom associated with self-medication used (50.9%) followed by toothache (28.1%), fatigue (10.6 %) and the least reported symptom was back pain (10.3%). majority of participants had poor knowledge of OTC analgesics.

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Why is it important?

The current study shows that the self-medication with OTC analgesics was common in Aseer, Saudi Arabia. A lack of awareness towards analgesics was found in this study. Education programs towards analgesics use, doses, side effects, and other issues are highly recommended.