Assessment of Prescription Pattern of Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in Iraqi Patients with Osteoarthritis

Aims: to give a thorough overview of the condition of Osteoarthritis management in Iraq today, with a focus on NSAID prescription trends. Additionally, the study will look at the variables, such as patient characteristics, the severity of the condition, and healthcare professional preferences, that affect the decision to use pharmacological therapies. This research paper will also examine the use of non-pharmacological therapies among Iraqi patients in the context of the difficulties associated with managing Osteoarthritis and evaluate their influence on NSAID prescription trends. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study was carried out from January to June 2023. Data were collected from rheumatology consultation clinics at an urban hospital and five rheumatology outpatient clinics within An-Najaf governorate, Iraq. Additionally, data collection occurred through general care practitioners at two rural hospitals. A total of 355 individuals who were over the age of 40 and had been diagnosed with Osteoarthritis were included. A standardized questionnaire was used to gather information on the demographics, clinical characteristics, comorbidities, and medication history of the patient. Based on the frequency and proportion of various medications, doses, and durations, prescription trends for NSAIDs were examined. Clinical recommendations, contraindications, and probable medication interactions were taken into consideration. Results: NSAID use was reported in 253(71.3%) of the study population. The majority of patients were prescribed NSAIDs within the advised dose range: 47(95.2%) for naproxen, 73(91.3%) for diclofenac, and 86 (87.6%) for ibuprofen prescriptions, patients who employed non-pharmacological therapies, such physical therapy and weight-loss program, made up a sizeable section 202(56.9%) of the research population. NSAID selection was markedly correlated with patient-specific characteristics such as older age (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01-1.07, p=0.008), OA severity (Osteoarthritis: 1.97, 95% CI: 1.23-3.15, p=0.004), and the presence of comorbidities (OR: 2.13, 95 percent CI: 1.29-3.51, p=0.003). Conclusion: The findings reinforce the necessity of adhering to clinical guidelines when prescribing NSAIDs to patients with OA and highlight the significance of non-pharmacological therapies as a component of an all-inclusive OA care strategy.