Background: Analgesics use is a global health care problem that could lead to unnecessary complications and increased healthcare expenditure. Hence, the studies evaluating the use of analgesics are required to avoid these complications. Thus, this survey analysis aimed to explore the level of knowledge as well as the attitude of the population in Saudi Arabia toward the use of analgesics.
Methodology: This was a cross-sectional, qualitative prospective study that was carried out in Saudi Arabia. A self-administered structured questionnaire was distributed to the general public between 18 and 55 years of age. The survey consisted of sections including 11 questions related to the demographics of respondents and knowledge, attitude, side effect, and source of information about analgesics.
Results: Males showed a significantly higher frequency of analgesic use and a significantly higher incidence of side effects as compared to females (p-value < 0.001). Responders aging more than 50 years were significantly using analgesics with a higher frequency compared to their younger peers, while the incidence of gastritis was significantly higher in patients aging between 31 and 50 years old (p-value < 0.001). Participants with a bachelor's degree showed a significantly higher incidence of using analgesics and using analgesics correctly (p-value < 0.001). Moreover, they were significantly suffering from gastritis compared to their peers (p-value < 0.001).
Conclusion: The use of analgesics in Saudi Arabia among the general population was considered as high. The knowledge of the Saudi population about the use of analgesics was considered satisfactory in well-educated individuals.
Key words: Analgesics, knowledge of analgesic, gastritis, Saudi Arabia
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