Analgesics Misuse: a Problem among Saudi Female Students

Abstract

Background: The research aims to assess the knowledge and attitude of female high school students towards analgesics use. The research is a result of concerns raised by high school advisors in regards to the analgesics knowledge and frequency of use amongst students. The findings of the study could be useful for targeted awareness campaigns or sessions for students and the community.

Methods and Material: A questionnaire was developed by the investigator and validated by two experts. All students in the third grade were included in the study. The total number of students was 488. All data were collected by the investigator through direct contact with the students.

Statistical Analysis Used: Analysis of Variance, t-test, and univariate regression model were used as appropriate.

Results: Reliability of the questionnaire was found to be 100%. The mean age of students was 17.4± 0.8 years. A total of (88.3%) of the students reported use of analgesics. Paracetamol was the drug of choice for almost half of the students (49.2%). The study showed repeated analgesics usage among the students, where (12%) used medication daily, (14.4%) weekly and (72.6%) had monthly usage. Only two variables affected the prevalence of analgesics usage namely ―analgesics given to students by the people surrounding them‖ and ―analgesics are the immediate choice when the students feel any pain‖.

Conclusion: Self-medication is prevalent and common among adolescent female students in Safwa city, Eastern Province Saudi Arabia. Moreover, the knowledge of analgesics side effects was inadequate which led to widespread misuse among the targeted population.