Use and abuse of analgesics in Nigeria: a community survey.
BACKGROUND
Chronic consumption of analgesics has been shown to increase the risk of end-stage renal disease. In Nigeria, these drugs are readily available as there is no legislation regulating their consumption. We report the use and abuse of analgesics in a Nigerian population.


METHODS
Using a pre-tested questionnaire, subjects in Zawan B ward in Jos were interviewed regarding analgesic use. Cumulative lifetime dose of drugs consumed was calculated by obtaining the product of the average number of pills consumed in a week by duration of use in years. Analgesic abuse was defined as cumulative lifetime use of >5000 pills.


RESULTS
Common analgesics regularly consumed were paracetamol in 58.1%, analgesic mixtures 28.9% and NSAIDS 13%. Common indications for use of these drugs were musculoskeletal pains, headache, fever and stress. Analgesic abuse was present in 22.6% of the respondents.


CONCLUSIONS
Analgesic abuse is common in Jos, Nigeria. The sale and consumption of these drugs should be restricted by legislation.
Agaba
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EI
Department of Medicine, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria.
Agaba
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PA
Wigwe
C M
CM
D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D000700:Analgesics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000139:chemically induced; D008297:Male; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D012306:Risk; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000700:Analgesics; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D000082:Acetaminophen