PAIN RELIEVER USAGE IN THE TREATMENT OF MUSCULOSKELETAL DISEASES: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN A CENTRAL HOSPITAL IN VIETNAM

Abstract

Introduction: Musculoskeletal diseases tend to develop in the later decades of life. As
investigated in 2010, 60% of those over age 65 suffered from musculoskeletal diseases. This is
an under-considered issue that causes difficulty in affected patients’ daily lives and incurs a
high economic burden. Anti-inflammatory agents and pain relievers are commonly used to
treat these chronic diseases. However, to date in Vietnam, there has not been any official
research or data collected on the usage of these medicine in the treatment of musculoskeletal
diseases.
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate pain reliver usage, the most common adverse
reactions to these medications, and the satisfaction of patients prescribed these drugs.
Methods: This was the cross-sectional study conducted from January 2017 to May 2017 in
Thong Nhat Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The sample size was estimated at 350
patients who were treated in outpatient departments for musculoskeletal diseases.
Results: There were twelve brand names containing six active ingredients that were used in
the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases. NSAIDs were the most commonly prescribed
medications (67.14%); of these, 55.32% were selective COX-2 inhibitors. Of the 22.86% of
patients who suffered adverse effects, 77.50% of these were gastrointestinal upsets. The
majority of patients presented a good evaluation after using pain relievers.
Conclusion: Future research should be conducted on the adverse effects of NSAIDs that are
selective COX-2 inhibitors. Policymakers should establish guidelines for pain reliever
management in hospitals.