Turkish patients with osteoarthritis: Their awareness of the side effects of NSAIDs

Abstract

Background/aims: The study aim was to determine the awareness of Turkish osteoarthritis patients of the side effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Methods: The patients were interviewed by 138 doctors regarding the level of their knowledge of the side effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Results: A total of 3,755 patients (female/male: 3/1, 35% > 65 years) were included in the study. 35.5% of the patients were aware of side effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. 85.4% and 11.5% were aware of the gastrointestinal and other system-related side effects, respectively. 51% had learned of the side effects from doctors, 19.8% received information from the package inserts, 21.3% had experienced side effects, and 10.0% and 0.8% had learned from their friends and pharmacist, respectively. Conclusions: Turkish osteoarthritis patients have a moderate level of knowledge of side effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Defining factors for knowledge of side effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were geographical region, socio-economic level and gender. This study reveals the physician's responsibility to educate patients about the side effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.