ABSTRACT
To estimate the prevalence of self-medication with over-the-counter pain relievers [OTCPR,like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin] among Kuwaiti citizens above the age of 16 years and describe their patterns of use, perceived awareness of, and concerns about the drugs potential side effects. A descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey. Selected population from the six Kuwaiti governorates. The data were collected over a four-month period in 2012, from 850 subjects identified as Kuwaiti citizens. These subjects were recruited using stratified random sampling. Overall, a 67% response rate was obtained. In total, 68% [573] of the respondents reported use of OTCPR. Women, middle-aged or singles, and those with higher education used these drugs more than other subgroups [p < 0.05]. We found evidence of inappropriate use of these drugs, with 15% [88] of consumers using them almost daily. Not only were 81% of the consumers unaware of the potential side effects, but also more than 61% were not concerned about them. Women were more knowledgeable than men regarding the maximum dose [p = 0.036, OR = 1.49, CI = 1.03-2.17]. Consumers with higher levels of education did not show distinct knowledge regarding the maximum allowed dose of the drugs [p = 0.252, OR = 1.71, CI = 0.68-4.25]. The results showed a high prevalence of self-medication with OTCPR among Kuwaiti citizens. The subjects showed unawareness and unconcern regarding potential complications. This demonstrates the need for educational interventions