KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICES TOWARDS THE USE OF ANALGESICS AMONG THE RESIDENTS OF KYENTALE WARD HOIMA DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Background:

The purpose of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices towards using analgesics among the residents of Kyentale Ward Hoima district Uganda.

 Methodology:

The study design employed was a descriptive cross-sectional, to address the specific objectives of the study on a sample of 50 respondents using a simple random sampling technique. Semi-structured questionnaires were designed and used as data collection tools.

 Results:

The majority % of the respondents 80% had ever used analgesics, 70% agreed that analgesics reduce pain, and 36% obtained this information from friends and neighbors.56% of the respondents agreed that taking analgesics to relieve pain has side effects such as dizziness, headache, and gastric ulcers, 56% were very satisfied with the use of analgesics, 30% were satisfied, 10% were neutral and 4% were not satisfied with the use of analgesics. The majority 80% had ever used analgesics whereas the minority 20% had not used analgesics. 62% of the respondents agreed that they have used analgesics without consultation with the health workers, of which most do not follow the doctor’s advice. Half 50% took analgesics more than 3 times a day whereas the least 6% took analgesics once daily.

 Conclusion:

Generally, the residents had inadequate knowledge, their attitude was reasonable and residents had a fair practice of analgesics since they were self-medicating with irrational drug use which increases the risks of toxicity, kidney damage, and gastric ulcers.

Recommendation:

The Ministry of Health should carry out sensitization sessions to educate the patients about the possible side effects of analgesics and dangers of their use without consultation of the health workers to reduce or possibly eliminate the side effects of the drugs and resistances where necessary.