Pattern of NSAID use in the Italian general population: a questionnaire-based survey

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most widely used medicines in the developed countries. The most important adverse reactions involve the upper gastrointestinal tract and can be life threatening. A detailed knowledge of the pattern of use of NSAIDs may help doctors in advising their patients about appropriateness and safety of use.

The aim of the present survey was to evaluate the prevalence and pattern of NSAID use in the general population, as well as the main characteristics of NSAID users.

Between March and September 2002, a self-administered questionnaire was submitted to a random sample, stratified by gender and age, representative of the Italian adult population (n=3,250). The questionnaire was divided into three parts regarding: (1) sociodemographic information, (2) symptoms/illnesses and (3) any drug taken during the previous week and the corresponding purpose. A statistical analysis (logistic regression) was performed.

Of the 2,738 subjects who filled in the questionnaire, 65% took at least one drug in the previous week and, among them, 35% used NSAIDs (top drug class; n=633). Of the NSAID users, 20% were >/=65 years of age and 18% were chronic users (daily or frequent use for more than 6 months). NSAID use was significantly higher in women, both for overall and chronic use. The older age groups showed an increasing risk of chronic NSAID use. Among NSAIDs, nimesulide was the most used compound (35%) followed by acetylsalicylic acid (14%) and ibuprofen (11%). The main reasons for NSAID use, as reported by subjects, were: headache (25%), osteoarticular pain (19%), unspecified pain (15%) and osteoarthrosis (9%). More than 50% of all the NSAIDs were prescribed by physicians (general practitioner, specialist, hospital physician), whereas about 44% were taken as self-treatment or following the advice of a pharmacist, relative/friend, etc.

Our study confirms that NSAIDs are widely used in the Italian general population and that, in most cases, they are used in accordance with their approved indications. However, their large and often chronic use in the elderly, as well as the high frequency of self-treatment, recommends a higher awareness by all physicians.