Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Analgesic Use Among Adults in the United Arab Emirates: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Analgesics are compounds capable of relieving pain without loss of consciousness and are among the most commonly used medications, available both by prescription and over the counter. Despite their recognized adverse effects, the prevalence of analgesic use is on the rise, highlighting the need to study the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to their use among the adult population of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Aim We aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to analgesic use in the adult population of the UAE. Subject and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted between February and March 2021, targeting adults aged 18 and above in the UAE. A self-administered online questionnaire was distributed via social media platforms, with participation being strictly voluntary. The questionnaire comprised 37 questions divided into four sections: demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to analgesic use. Results Of the 385 participants, 48% (n=185) reported using analgesics. Among these 185 participants, 88.7% (n=164) obtained analgesics over the counter, with paracetamol being the most commonly used. Additionally, 77% (n=296) of the 385 participants displayed poor knowledge regarding the appropriate use of analgesic medications, while 55% of our participants (n=212) had positive attitudes towards the correct usage of analgesics. Significant associations were found between age and knowledge score, the prevalence of over-the-counter analgesic use, and knowledge about adverse effects (p<0.05). Conclusion Our study highlights significant analgesic consumption in the UAE, however there is evidence of poor knowledge and harmful practices related to its use. The adverse effects associated with analgesics may lead to severe complications; therefore, proper educational and awareness campaigns focusing on analgesic use must be conducted.