Assessing Community Knowledge and Usage Patterns of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) in Zawia City: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most commonly used medications worldwide, known for their effectiveness in relieving pain and reducing inflammation. This study aims to assess the patterns of NSAID usage and the level of awareness regarding their benefits and potential side effects among the general public of Zawia city. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted over a period of three months from June 2024 through August 2024 in Zawia city, Libya, where a self-administered questionnaire was used. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data using the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS V27). Result: The study involved 290 participants, mostly female (78.6%) and aged between 20-30 years (47.2%). A majority held a bachelor’s degree (61.4%) and were employed (58.6%). The primary reasons for NSAID use were headaches and colds (42.4%), followed by toothaches (35.5%). Most recommendations came from doctors (54.1%) and pharmacists (26.9%). 58.3% of respondents believed NSAIDs were not safe, and 67.6% thought they were overused. 52.8% were unaware of cardiovascular risks, and 59% were uncertain about the safety of NSAIDs during pregnancy. 83.8% believed that not all NSAIDs should be sold without a prescription. Conclusion: Despite high usage, most respondents perceive NSAIDs as potentially unsafe and overused, indicating a disconnect between awareness and behaviour.