Evaluation of painkillers according to the principles of rational drug use in patients registered to a family medicine unit.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: We aimed to evaluate knowledge, attitudes and usage of the painkillers within the framework of rational drug use. METHODS: This study was conducted in a family medicine unit with a questionnaire consists of 27 questions. RESULTS: Total of 506 patients participated in the study. The number of people who used pain medication every day was 29 (5.7%) and paracetamol was the most common analgesic (51.1%). The use of painkillers was more common in women and amongst the patients over 65 years of age. The rate of those who preferred painkillers in the form of pills was higher in married patients and the singles preferred injectables (P = .004). Inappropriate use of painkillers was much more prominent in nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug users (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Demographic features and disease characteristics were the notable factors that affected painkillers selection and the level of knowledge about them.