Abstract:
Background: Pain relievers are medications that use in different ways to alleviate various forms
of body-experienced pain. Over-the-counter analgesics widely used by the public are
paracetamol, opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. University students are
constantly under pressure to work hard to achieve their goals, leaving little room for a minor
illness which could lead to the consumption of analgesics as a 'quick fix' together with a typical
student's social life.
Objectives: To assess the knowledge, practice and usage of pain relievers among students in a
private educational institute in Sri Lanka.
Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 100 students
who are studying in the second year and third year willing to share their information using
convenience sampling method. Data were collected by a questionnaire containing 30 close
ended questions using a google form.
Results: Out of the surveyed sample, majority (84%) of students used oral tablets rather than
topical and Ayurvedic balms and oils to relieve pain. Of the total, 78% of students used pain
relievers for headache and 32% used for muscle pain. Majority (67%) of students practiced less
often to take pain relievers for acute pain. Most students (69%) used pain relievers less often
proving they had knowledge on harmfulness of using pain relievers. Majority (65%) tried to use
the other types of treatments instead of pain relievers. Before use the medication, only 48% read
the leaflet come along with medication. Results indicated that 67% were aware of side effects of
frequent use of pain relievers. As well as results indicated paracetamol was the highly usage
pain relievers.
Conclusions: It is prominent to identify more about the awareness of students about mechanism
of action, side effects, contraindications, and adverse effects of pain relievers specially
paracetamol and to manage usage of pain relievers among students in a healthy manner.
