The usage of analgesics among arthritis patients in Hospital Selayang

Background: It is found that almost all prescribers prescribe analgesics and Non­steroidal Anti-inflammatories Drugs (NSAIDs) for arthritis patients, as one of the pain management strategies other than Disease-modifying Anti Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs). Today, clinical experience portrays that analgesics are not used as recommended. Thus, this study is to determine the patterns of analgesic use and the relationship with pain.

Method: The survey was conducted at rheumatology clinic in Hospital Selayang. Patients were selected by using convenient sampling method. The pain score was measured by using Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). This followed by the difference in pain between those agreeing and not agreeing with the statements given which were determined by using independent t­test. The relationship between the pain score and the regularity of analgesics use were assessed by using correlation.

Results: 130 (100%) completed the study. 34 of the respondents (26.2%) reported of having no pain, 26 respondents (20.0%) described of having slight pain, 25 respondents (19.2%) having moderate pain, 45 respondents (34.6%) having severe pain and none of them having extreme pain. Descriptive statistics and T-test were used to determine the patterns of analgesic use and the difference in pain between those agreeing and disagreeing with the pain management statements respectively. It found that those having high mean pain score agreed that they took analgesics regularly. Correlation study had been conducted too and it showed that the increase in pain score does affect the increase in regularity of analgesic use with p <0.05.

Conclusion: The patterns of analgesic use vary from patients to patients, but, generally we conclude that higher pain intensity results a higher regularity of analgesic use. Pharmacists are encouraged to give appropriate guidelines regarding analgesic use to patients in order to ensure safety use of analgesics.