Factors associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use behavior among the elderly in municipal areas
Keywords:
Elderly, NSAIDs, Social support, Analgesic use behaviorsAbstract
The problem of muscular dystrophy increases among the elderly. This has led to an increase in the use of analgesics. This descriptive correlational research aimed to examine the prevalence, behaviors, and factors associated with the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) among the elderly. The sample consisted of 320 older adults living in Khelang Nakhon municipality, Mueang district, Lampang province, selected using multistage sampling. The research instruments consisted of four parts: (1) a questionnaire on general personal information and health data, (2) a questionnaire regarding NSAIDs use, (3) a social support questionnaire, and (4) a questionnaire on NSAIDs use behaviors. The reliability of the instruments, tested using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, was .82 and .71, respectively. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. According to the findings, the prevalence of NSAIDs use behavior was 33.12%. NSAIDs use behavior was generally good (𝑥̅=3.67, SD=0.31). Age group (𝑥2=6.043, p<.05), highest educational level (𝑥2=7.881, p<.05), and musculoskeletal disease (𝑥2=49.362, p<.001) were significantly associated with NSAIDs use behavior (p<.05). Musculoskeletal disease was significantly associated with NSAIDs use behavior (p<.01). Furthermore, informational support was positively correlated with NSAIDs use behavior (r=.336, p<.01) while material support was negatively correlated with NSAIDs use behavior (r=-.195, p<.05) with statistical significance. Therefore, promoting rational NSAIDs use behavior among the elderly, particularly those with musculoskeletal disorders, should include providing accurate information regarding NSAIDs use. Moreover, the content and media used should be appropriate for the age group and educational level of the target population.
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