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Original Research
The use of analgesic medication among black Africans in an urban general practice
South African Family Practice | Vol 20, No 1 | a2253 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/safp.v20i1.2253
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Submitted: 27 November 2011 | Published: 30 January 1999
Submitted: 27 November 2011 | Published: 30 January 1999
About the author(s)
R.S. Pillay, University of Natal, South AfricaB.J. Pillay, University of Natal, South Africa
M.H. Cassimjee, University of Natal, South Africa
Full Text:
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Objectives: The study focuses on analgesic use in black adult patients attending an urban general practice.
Methodology: One hundred and forty seven adult urban black patient were studied over a one month period. The ages of the subjects ranged from 18 to 63 with a Mn of 34,16 years. The sample consisted of 46,94% males and 53,06% females. With the aid of a questionnaire, Analgesic Use Questionnaire (AUQ), various demographic and diagnostic correlates and variables associated with the use of analgesics was assessed.
Results: The study supports the view that analgesic use is common among black urban patients. In addition, pain as a presenting symptom is also very common among these patients. The relationships between pain, psychosocial problems and psychiatric illnesses are also considered.
Conclusion: The study supports the view that many patients use analgesic frequently, A trend has serious implications for misuse and abuse of analgesics, further, that pain is a common symptom which doctors should pay careful attention to the "meaning of". Since is a relationship between pain and psychosocial problem and/or psychiatric illness, doctors should consider psychological factors in the management and treatment of pain.
Methodology: One hundred and forty seven adult urban black patient were studied over a one month period. The ages of the subjects ranged from 18 to 63 with a Mn of 34,16 years. The sample consisted of 46,94% males and 53,06% females. With the aid of a questionnaire, Analgesic Use Questionnaire (AUQ), various demographic and diagnostic correlates and variables associated with the use of analgesics was assessed.
Results: The study supports the view that analgesic use is common among black urban patients. In addition, pain as a presenting symptom is also very common among these patients. The relationships between pain, psychosocial problems and psychiatric illnesses are also considered.
Conclusion: The study supports the view that many patients use analgesic frequently, A trend has serious implications for misuse and abuse of analgesics, further, that pain is a common symptom which doctors should pay careful attention to the "meaning of". Since is a relationship between pain and psychosocial problem and/or psychiatric illness, doctors should consider psychological factors in the management and treatment of pain.
Keywords
analgesic use; pain; psychosocial problems
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