The Study of Behaviors and Factors Affecting Analgesic Use in Thamai District, Chantaburi Province

Abstract

This study aimed to explore behaviors, focusing on analgesic use for pain, and the correlation between knowledge associated with those drugs and the behaviors of drug used. 400 participants aged 15 to 59 years old in Thamai District, Chantaburi Province, were recruited in the study. Statistical analysis was performed using the software and reported as a percentage, mean and standard deviation. T-test and one-way ANOVA was conducted to test a statistical significance. The correlation coefficient was used to examine the relationship between knowledge and behaviors.

The results showed that major analgesic users were females aged 25-34 years old, married, achieving a primary school level and employee having an average salary of 5,677.51 Baht a month. Those users had a very good level of their knowledge and a good level of their behaviors, including reading indications and information about drugs before taking drugs, no duplicated dosages and having an adequate amount of water after taking drugs. Sex, age, educational levels, occupations and incomes had affected drug use behaviors (p< 0.05). Knowledge and behaviors of analgesic users had a positive correlation (p-value < 0.01).

This study will then benefit to develop the treatment plan and improve the behaviors in analgesic users. Furthermore, this will also help public health sectors to design appropriate strategies for promoting the use of analgesic drugs efficiently in the future.

Suggestions

1. 1. Health care professionals should educate users to improve their attitudes and behaviors in several approaches such as media and public relations.

2. Pharmacists should increase their roles in a drug counseling process, especially appropriate dosage instructions. In addition, an emphasis on adverse events, contraindications and precautions due to analgesic uses should be done to prevent drug-related problems.