Volume 25, Issue 117, November 2021

Parental awareness about non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs use and its side effects among their children in Qassim region

Ali A Al-Akhfash¹, Nawaf Hamdi Obaid Alharbi², Abdulrhman Salem Meqhem Alharbi², Marwan Dhahi E Aljohani², Ahmed Abdulaziz M Alharbi², Osama Mohammed R Almaneai², Alwaleed Muneef M Alharbi², Turki Saud M Alharbi²

¹M.D, S.F.Ped.Card., Consultant Paediatric Cardiologist, PSCC-Qassim, Qassim Health Cluster, MOH, Saudi Arabia
²Medical Intern, Qassim University, Qassim region, Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

Background: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, (NSAIDs) are widely used for various conditions, mainly as an analgesics and anti-pyretics in adults as well as in pediatrics. Most of the users of NSAIDs aren't aware of the serious side effects of these medications. Aim: Estimation of parental awareness about NSIADs use and their side effects among their children in Qassim region. Materials and methods: The participants involved in the study are the parents whom have child/children aged 14 years old or younger. The population sample was selected randomly and they participated in the study with their own volition. The questionnaires were distributed through social media. Data analyses were done by using SPSS version 26. This study is crosssectional study with a sample size of 516 conducted in Qassim region, Saudi Arabia. Results: 516 were recruited (153 males and 363 females). The most common age group was from 36 to 55 years (47.9%). 84.5% have heard about NSAIDs. 77.1% used NSAIDs for their children below 14 years, but only 36.2% knew about NSAIDs side effects. Among the responders, 12.6% experienced NSAIDs side effects. The most commonly experienced side effect was allergy (50%) and gastroenterology problems (30%). The awareness toward NSAIDs use was more common among females. Conclusion: The parental awareness of NSAIDs use was within the adequate range. However, parent’s knowledge of the potential side effects was low. Females with 2-5 children, were most likely to administer NSAIDs for their children below 14, contradictorily informed of NSAIDs and its indication of use, yet not aware about NSAIDs side effects.

Keywords: NSAID, Awareness, Parents, Side effects, Children

Medical Science, 2021, 25(117), 2850-2858

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