Association between the prescribing of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and the potential prescription-related problems in a primary care setting

Objectives: The objectives of this study were 1) to obtain information regarding the prescribing pattern of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the primary care setting at a Malaysian university, 2) to determine the prevalence and types of potential NSAID prescription-related problems (PRPs), and 3) to identify patient characteristics associated with exposure to these potential PRPs. Methods: We retrospectively collected data from 1 academic year using the electronic medical records of patients in the University Sains Malaysia (USM) primary care system. The defined daily dose (DDD) methodology and the anatomical therapeutic chemical (ATC) drug classification system were used in the analysis and comparison of the data. Statements representing potential NSAID PRPs were developed from authoritative drug information sources. Then, algorithms were developed to screen the databases for these potential PRPs. Descriptive and comparative statistics were used to characterize DRPs. Results: During the study period, 12,470 NSAID prescriptions were prescribed for 6,509 patients (mean +/- SD = 1.92 +/- 1.83). This represented a prevalence of 35,944 per 100,000 patients, or 36%. Based on their DDDs, mefenamic acid and diclofenac were the most prescribed NSAIDs. 573 potential NSAID-related PRPs were observed in a cohort of 432 patients, representing a prevalence of 6,640 per 100,000 NSAIDs users, or 6.6% of all NSAID users. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that patients with a Malay ethnic background (p < 0.001), members of the staff (p < 0.001), having 4 or more prescribers (p < 0.001) or having 2-3 prescribers (p = 0.02), and representing 4 or more long-term therapeutic groups (LTTGs) (p <0.001) or 2-3 LTTGs (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with an increased chance of exposure to potential NSAID-related PRPs. Conclusions: This is the first study in Malaysia that presents data on the prescribing pattern of NSAIDs and the characteristics of potential NSAID-related PRPs. The prevalence of potential NSAID-related PRPs is frequent in the primary care setting. Exposure to these PRPs is associated with specific socio-demographic and health status factors. These results should help to raise the awareness of clinicians and patients about serious NSAID PRPs.