Knowledge and Attitudes towards Acetaminophen Use in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Background:</strong> Despite the common use of acetaminophen and its safety profile, cases of acetaminophen-induced hepatic toxicities have been reported due to unintentional duplication that mostly results from the public significant lack of knowledge. This research aims to assess the public awareness towards the safe use of acetaminophen in Saudi Arabia. <strong>Methods:</strong> A cross-sectional study that targeted the adults in Saudi Arabia that was carried out using self-administered questionnaire. The data obtained included sociodemographic characteristics, the pattern of use, the attitude, as well as the knowledge of the general public towards acetaminophen. <strong>Results:</strong> Data presented in this study showed that a significant majority of the respondents (84.11%) used acetaminophen without their physician&rsquo;s prescription as needed, (66%) denied the development of side effects after using acetaminophen. In terms of the participants&rsquo; knowledge and awareness towards the usage of acetaminophen and its safety, a pronounced proportion of the respondents (53.65%) incorrectly identified the maximum daily dose of acetaminophen and only (16.2%) could. A significant minority of the participants (27%) admitted relying on their own knowledge as the primary source of information. Among the participants (54.69%) denied receiving education on acetaminophen from health care professionals. A marked distinction was observed between the respondents with higher educational level as well as younger individuals regarding the identification of the maximum daily dose (p = 0.0034) and (p = 0.039), respectively.<strong> Conclusion:</strong> There is a concerning inadequacy of the public awareness about the appropriate use of acetaminophen. <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Key words:</strong> Acetaminophen, Knowledge, Non-prescription medications, Over dosage, Paracetamol.