Evaluation of patterns and appropriate gastro protection in Albanian primary health care users

Our aim was to assess the prevalence of gastro protection in the Albanian population using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). A cross-sectional study, conducted in November-December 2011 in Albania, included 610 NSAIDs users (236 men and 374 women) who visited pharmacies to receive their NSAID medication. A structured questionnaire was administered to all participants including information on age, sex, educational status, pathology being treated with NSAID, presence of gastrointestinal ulcer or related complications, duration of NSAIDs therapy, type of drug used, and gastro protection therapy. Almost all participants (N=599) received NSAIDs to treat rheumatic and/or musculoskeletal disorders. Of these, 475 individuals were on chronic therapy with high daily doses of NSAIDs. Concomitant gastro protective therapy was found in 184 individuals (30 percent of the overall sample). Women and the more educated individuals received more gastro protection than men and the low educated counterparts, respectively (33.4 percent in women vs 25 percent in men; 47 percent in highly educated vs 18 percent in low educated). Appropriate use of gastro protective therapy for NSAID users needs to be promptly implemented in Albania, as its inappropriate use raises ethical and economic concerns. Prescriptions should follow clear guidelines for prevention of gastrointestinal damage following NSAIDs therapy among persons at high risk.