Consumer awareness and knowledge regarding use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in a metropolitan area.

Background: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have well-known adverse effects, and numerous studies have shown inappropriate behaviors regarding their use. The primary aim of this study was to analyze the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding the use of NSAIDs simultaneously in one of the largest and most populated areas of Italy, Naples.

Methods: From 2021 December 14th to 2022 January 4th, a cross-sectional survey study was conducted among community centers, working places, and universities using a snowball sampling method. For inclusion in the study, the participants were required to be at least 18 years old and residents in the metropolitan area of Naples. Three multiple linear regression analysis (MLRA) models were developed by including variables that could potentially be associated with the following outcomes of interest: knowledge (Model I), attitudes (Model II), and behavior (Model III) regarding the use of NSAIDs.

Results: Data were acquired from 1,012 questionnaires administered to subjects evenly divided by gender with an average age of 36.8 years and revealed that only 7.9% of the participants self-admittedly did not take NSAIDs, while approximately half the participants (50%) admitted to occasionally using them. The results showed a statistically significant correlation between attitudes regarding the appropriate use of NSAIDs and less knowledge. The regression analyses indicated that behaviors regarding the appropriate use of NSAIDs were statistically significant in younger respondents, non-smokers, and those without children. These interesting results showed that behaviors regarding the appropriate use of NSAIDs were significantly higher among respondents with less knowledge and more positive attitudes.

Conclusion: According to the collected data and statistical analysis results, it is possible to identify factors that can greatly affect inappropriate behaviors regarding the use of NSAIDs and establish targeted prevention programs.