Prevalence of gastrointestinal risk factors among patients on analgesics at a tertiary care hospital in Kerala, South India.

Arunima M. Nair; Catherin Nisha

Volume : VIII, Issue : IV, April - 2019

Prevalence of gastrointestinal risk factors among patients on analgesics at a tertiary care hospital in Kerala, South India.

Arunima M. Nair, Catherin Nisha

Abstract :

Introduction:Chronic non–cancer pain affects about 19% of the adult population which can be managed by a variety of analgesics. Non–steroidal anti–inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most common ones used. NSAIDs are associated with a oad spectrum of side effects most common being the risk for upper gastrointestinal (GI) complications.Objective:This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of GI risk factors among patients on analgesics in clinical practice in a tertiary care hospital in Kerala.Methodology:It was a cross–sectional study conducted among patients taking analgesics for more than or equal to three months for various diseases in a tertiary care hospital. The study population included 123 patients admitted in different wards. We collected data using GI SCORE (Standardized Calculator of Risk for Events) to assess the GI risk factors of the patients.Results:The study groups were stratified into four risk groups according to GI SCORE tool, thirteen percent (13%) of the study population belonged to low risk group, forty percent (40%) belonged to moderate risk group, thirty–five percent (35%) of the patients were in high risk group and twelve percent (12%) were in very high–risk group for GI complications.Conclusion:The prevalence of GI risk factors in our study population was evaluated and percentage of individuals belonging to high or very high–risk groups was found to be 47.15%. From the results it is encouraged that physicians consider each patient‘s clinical factors before prescribing NSAIDs which could help to decrease the GI complications in patients requiring NSAID treatment.