PREVALENCE, KNOWLEDGE, AND PREDICTORS OF NON-PRESCRIPTION PAINKILLER USE AMONG UNIVERSITY NURSING STUDENTS IN PAKISTAN: A MULTICENTER CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Non-prescription use of painkillers is common among university students and may increase the risk of inappropriate dosing, adverse drug reactions, and other medication-related problems. This study assessed the prevalence, knowledge, types, reasons, and sources of non-prescription painkiller use among university students in Pakistan.

Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted among 365 BS-level nursing students. Participants were selected using a structured sampling approach, and data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, painkiller use, types and sources of analgesics, reasons for use, and knowledge regarding painkiller use. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, while inferential analyses were performed to examine associations and predictors of non-prescription painkiller use.

Results: Of the 365 participants, 244 (66.8%) reported using painkillers without a prescription. Paracetamol was the most commonly used analgesic (38.9%), followed by ibuprofen (25.0%) and diclofenac (15.2%). Headache (36.9%) was the leading reason for use, followed by menstrual pain (19.3%). Community pharmacies were the most common source (50.0%). Regarding knowledge, 58.6% of participants demonstrated good knowledge, 40.8% moderate knowledge, and 0.5% poor knowledge. Despite relatively good knowledge, non-prescription use remained high.

Conclusion: Non-prescription painkiller use was prevalent among university students despite generally favorable knowledge. Improving knowledge alone may be insufficient; interventions should also address medication accessibility, previous self-medication experiences, and responsible analgesic-use practices.