ABSTRACT
Introduction: Non-steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs are drugs used for the relief of pain and is particularly effective in acute and chronic orthopedic pain such osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and other painful Inflammatory conditions. Evidence from studies conducted showed that NSAIDs increases the risk of of high blood pressure through renal dysfunction, reduction in the efficacy of anti hypertensives or aggravation of pre-existing hypertension..
Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate Non-steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs used by patients with osteoarthritis alone or with hypertension.
Method: A structured interview questionnaire was used for data collection. A cross sectional survey involving 300 patients in Central Hospital, Benin City, Edo State was conducted in September to December 2019.
The data obtained from the survey were entered into IBM SPSS version 22. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed.
Results: A total of 300 respondents participated in the study of which majority 79(26.4%) of the respondents were between the ages of 60-69 years.156(58.7%) of the respondents had arthritis and hypertension. 34.3% of respondents take NSAIDs every day. 132(44.0%) and 77(25.7%) NSAIDs of respondents take Diclofenac and Ibuprofen respectively. Duration of NSAIDs used by Majority 68(22.7%) of the respondents was fourteen (14) days. With regards to effects of NSAIDs used by patients in the management of osteoarthritis and hypertension, majority 91(30.3%) of respondents reported an increased blood pressure. Majority (60.3%) indicated that they got NSAIDs from the pharmacy, 66.7% of respondents said they always tell the prescriber about their chronic illness before prescription of analgesics
Conclusion:Prevalence of NSAIDs used in this study was high, even among patients with hypertension. It can be concluded that frequent use of NSAIDs (Diclofenac and Ibuprofen which were used by majority of the respondents) in the management of osteoarthritis contribute or may cause an increase in blood pressure.
