Knowledge and practice of analgesics use among Albaq'a refugees camp, Jordan. : A cross sectional study

Abstract

Background: Due to the rising healthcare costs around the world, self-medication has become an important option in the management of common conditions. However, the benefits of such self-medication practices depend upon them being used responsibly. Studies about the prevalence of analgesics use and related factors are limited in Jordan, particularly among refugees which is one of the vulnerable sectors of the population. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and practices of Palestinian refugees in the Al-Baqa’a camp in Jordan regarding the use of analgesics to address any common misuse or mis knowledge. Method: A cross-sectional study design was conducted from 20 October to 10 November 2021. A researcher-developed questionnaire to assess knowledge and practices were used as a tool for studying both interviewer-administered and self-administered survey among 253 adult Palestine refugees at Al Baqa’a refugee camp. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26 for descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: A high percentage of the respondents 78.3% reported that they use analgesics as self-medication. Of these participants, 37.9% reported having a chronic disease, 34.4 % never suffer from pain in the last month, and 33.6% reported that they do not have health insurance. the most commonly used class of drugs was NSAIDs with a frequency of 193 fowled by paracetamol with a frequency of 90. While the most common condition for which the refugees use self-medication is the cost with 168 frequency, In the assessment of participant's knowledge; analgesics are used to treat minor illnesses by 70%. 94% reported that analgesics can't be used after their expiry date while 34% reported that analgesics do not have side effects. Final statics will have presented at the conference. Conclusion: Self-medication is widely practiced in Albaq'a refugees camp, although they are familiar with the most important information regarding the risks associated with the use of analgesics. Keywords: over-the-counter , non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs