title: Knowledge and perceptions of the risks of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs among orthopaedic patients in Thailand.
abstract: Background There is a high incidence of adverse effects from non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in Thailand, but patients' perceptions and knowledge of NSAID risks is unknown. Objective This study aims to assess patients' perceptions and knowledge of NSAID risks and factors affecting them. Setting University hospital in North-East of Thailand. Method A Cross-sectional study conducted over 4 months, using a self-administered questionnaire. Patients prescribed NSAIDs for at least one month duration from orthopaedic clinic were recruited using systematic random sampling. Main outcome measure Patients' perceptions on NSAID risks, knowledge on risk factors, and their associated factors. Results A total of 474 questionnaires were assessed. Overall perceptions of risks was low (scoring below five on a 0-10 visual analogue scale), with risks associated with the renal system scoring highest. Perceived risk of gastrointestinal problems differed between patients using non-selective and selective NSAIDs (3.47 ± 2.75 vs 2.06 ± 2.98; P < 0.001). Receiving side effect information from a health professional was associated with higher risk perception. Most patients (80 %) identified high doses, renal disease and gastrointestinal ulcer increased risks of NSAIDs, but fewer than half recognized that use in the elderly, multiple NSAID use, drinking, hypertension and cardiovascular disease also increased risk of adverse events. Having underlying diseases and receiving side effect information were associated with 1.6-2.0 fold increased knowledge of NSAID risks. Conclusion Perceptions and knowledge concerning NSAID risks was generally low in Thai patients, but higher in those who had received side effect information. Risk-related information should be widely provided, especially in high-risk patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand.
authors.forename: Pacharaporn
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Phueanpinit
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Pharmacy, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand.
authors.forename: Juraporn
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pongwecharak
authors.affiliation: Medway School of Pharmacy, Universities of Greenwich and Kent, Kent, UK.
authors.forename: Janet
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Krska
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand. narumol@kku.ac.th.
authors.forename: Narumol
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Jarernsiripornkul
mesh_terms: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006785:Hospitals, University / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009985:Orthopedics / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends*; D010465:Perception; D011897:Random Allocation; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013785:Thailand / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
keywords: Knowledge; Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; Perception; Risk factors; Thailand