Abstract

Dr. Akinwumi Ayodeji Akinbodewa*, Dr. Olatunji Sunday Abolarin, Dr. Peter Taiye Yakubu, Dr. Patrick Olarewaju Osho and Dr. Oluyomi Okunola

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Consumption of analgesics in agrarian communities is high with potential risks for renal failure and gastritis. We set out to determine prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and analgesic use, and their association to adverse effects. Materials and methods: A descriptive study of adults at a screening exercise in Laoso village, Ondo State, Nigeria. Data on musculoskeletal pain, analgesics usage and side effects were collated using interviewer-administered questionnaires. Urinalysis was conducted using Combi-10 strips. Statistical Analysis: Data was analyzed using SPSS-IBM version 20.0. Chi-square was used to determine association between categorical variables (p< 0.05). Results: A total of 155 adults (M:F=1:1.32) with mean age of 38.3±14.9 years were studied. One hundred and two (65.8%) were farmers while 67.7% had musculoskeletal pain; mostly affecting the lower back (32.4%). One hundred and eleven subjects (74.0%) used mixture of analgesics (“asapo”). The median duration of use of analgesics was 2 years. Nineteen (12.2%) had used “asapo” daily for at least one year. One hundred and eleven (79.9%) procured their drugs from patent medicine stores. Fifty one subjects (34.9%) admit having peppery epigastric pain. Forty subjects (39.6%) had proteinuria of 30mg/dl. There was association between presence of musculoskeletal pain and use of “asapo” (P=0.048). There was association between use of “asapo” and presence of gastritis (P=0.021). There was no association between occupational type and presence of musculoskeletal pain (P=0.304). Conclusion: The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain is high among rural dwellers and is associated with increased use of analgesics. Chronic use of analgesics showed no association to proteinuria.