Use of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs by students at a University in Ananindeua, Pará, Brazil

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs among academics at a university in Ananindeua, Pará, Brazil. To achieve this objective, descriptive-observational research with a quantitative approach was carried out, with the application of a form. The study sample consisted of 101 students duly enrolled in courses offered by the university, of all genders, aged 18 years and over, who use or have used some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. A semi-structured form, consisting of 14
questions, was adopted as a data collection instrument. The collected data were transferred and organized in Excel spreadsheets for descriptive analysis of the results obtained. To assess the existence of  adverse reactions, the Naranjo et al. (1981) algorithm was used. The results showed that 55% and 27% of university students usually use NSAIDs to treat sore throat and muscle pain, Nimesulide being the most consumed
without a prescription. In addition, it was discovered that self-medication is more recurrent among female students (77%), in the biological area (67%) and aged between 18 and 29 years (57%). Finally, the misuse of NSAIDs among the evaluated students is evident and these results can be used as a foundation for measures to raise awareness about the risks of self-medication, with anti-inflammatory drugs.