Patterns and reasons for analgesic use among Northern border university students, Saudi Arabia

Analgesics treat many medical ailments and are considered safe when used correctly. However, a lack of knowledge regarding proper use and harmful consequences poses health risks. Study objectives: To explore the pattern and knowledge of analgesics uses among university students at Northern Border University, as well as to assess the awareness of analgesic side effects Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional survey was undertaken among university students at Northern Border University. A self-administered structured questionnaire was developed to recognize the assessment of the knowledge and practices around analgesic usage. A convenience sampling approach via Google Forms was employed for recruiting participants. Results: a total of 420 participants were included in the study, with a mean age of 21.4±2. Most participants (75%; 315) who used analgesics did so regularly (93%; 293), The most widely used analgesic (67.9%; 214%) is paracetamol, A significant proportion knew that increasing analgesic doses have renal (82.6%; 374); gastric (74.5; 313); adverse effects, and physicians were most often stated source of information (31.1%; 98). Conclusion: The survey found that the majority of Northern Border University's students took analgesics regularly. Paracetamol was the most reported painkiller, with headache being the most frequently indicated cause. Fortunately, many respondents were aware of the analgesic side effects, with physicians being the most prevalent information source.