European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

KNOWLEDGE, EFFECTIVENESS, ADVERSE EFFECTS AND OTHER CORRELATES OF PAIN KILLERS AMONG RESIDENCE OF YENAGOA, COUNCIL AREA OF BAYELSA STATE, SOUTH- SOUTH OF NIGERIA

*Owonaro P. A., Eniojukan J. F., Ganiyu K. A. and Owonaro Awala Daughter E.

ABSTRACT

NSAIDs use is fraught with a lot of challenges mostly with developing countries. They have anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic effects. This study evaluated knowledge of rational use of NSAIDs, self-reported effectiveness and side-effects during pain management, and health seeking behavior among residence of Yenagoa Council Area of Bayelsa State. Over one thousand questionnaires were administered to willing respondents; SPSS version 20 was used to analyze data obtained. Male respondents were 56.9%; 45.9% were single; 36% were married; 46% were within the age group of 18-30 years and 35.3% were within the age group of 31-45 years. About 79.9% of respondents earned 100,000-500,000 naira annually and majority were artisans and civil servants; 89.9% were Christians. On the use of NSAIDs, 68. 4%, 68% and 75.1% had a very good knowledge of correct dose, duration of use, and frequency of use respectively; 39.8% had a good knowledge of side effect of pain relievers they were taking. On effectiveness, 77.2% reported Diclofenac K (Cataflam) to be effective, 34% and 59.4% respectively reported Diclofenac Na (voltaren) to be very effective and effective while 58.6% reported that Clecoxib (Celebrex) was effective. On side-effects, 31.6% and 72.8% respectively always and sometimes experienced heart burn while 4.7% and 59.7% experienced stomach pain always and sometimes respectively; 12.5% and 80.5% of respondents experienced chest pain always and sometimes respectively. Regarding health-seeking behaviour, 22.3% and 46.8% of respondents respectively always and sometimes visited the Hospital when they had pains; 44.2%, 62.4%, 39% and 35.5% respectively sometimes visited the Herbal clinic, massaging homes, church/mosque and the pharmacy; 15.9% always visited the pharmacy; 34% and 49% respectively always and sometimes visited the doctor while 37.4% sometimes visited the nurses. On the other hand, 56% always visited their Pharmacists. Marital status, Age and Education were correlated with knowledge of pain reliever; Gender, Occupation and Annual income were not. There is need to enhance the Rational Use of NSAIDs in this community to avert impending adverse consequences.

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