The Use of Analgesic Medication Among Black Africans in an Urban General Practice

Abstract

Objectives: The study focuses on analgesic use in black adult patients attending an urban general practice Methodology: One hundred and fony 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.