Prevalence of Analgesic Use amongst University Students

Objective: To determine the prevalence, use frequency, indications, adverse effects and types of analgesics amongst university students. Study design: Cross sectional study Setting: Superior University, Raiwind Road, Lahore. Duration: August 2011 to October 2011 Methods: A total of 200 (100 male and 100 female) students aged 18-22 years were included. The main outcome measures studied were; prevalence, use frequency, indications, adverse effects and types of analgesics. Results: The history of analgesic use was positive in 98% students under study. Out of these, 57% used with a frequency of once a month or once in two months. Headache was the most common indication for the use of analgesics. 35% of female students used analgesics for dysmennorhea. Paracetamol was the most commonly used analgesic (46%) followed by Aspirin (18%). The main problems reported were gastric upset, nausea and mental confusion while 33% students never had any problem with the use of analgesics. Most of the students (61%) used the pain killers without doctor's advice. Conclusion: The use of analgesics is very common among university students. Headache in general and dysmenorrhea in female students are the main indications. Paracetamol and aspirin are consumed by the majority while gastric upset, nausea and mental confusion are the common adverse effects reported.