Physiotherapists’ knowledge, usage and attitude towards non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, usage and attitude of physiotherapists towards non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in Karachi, Pakistan. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among clinical physiotherapists working in Karachi who were enrolled through convenient sampling. A questionnaire was distributed to the participants, which consisted of questions regarding physiotherapists’ current knowledge, current practice and their attitude towards NSAIDs prescription. RESULTS: Responses of 310 physiotherapists out of the 350 questionnaires distributed were received (response rate = 88%). Results show that most physiotherapists (60.3%) recommended NSAIDs to their patients despite having a variable understanding of the contraindications, adverse reactions and drug interactions of NSAIDs. Most physiotherapists demonstrated poor knowledge of the legislation on NSAIDs prescription as most of them believed that they were allowed to advise (71.9%), prescribe (66.1%) and recommend (72.2%) NSAIDs to their patients. CONCLUSION: This study implicates that physiotherapists should be trained through proper educational sessions such as certification courses on pharmacotherapy (specifically pain medications) in order to become certified to prescribe NSAIDs and other analgesics.