Abstract

Background: Analgesics are among the most important medications that all patients resort to relieve pain. There are several types of analgesics, including non-opioid analgesics, including paracetamol, and non-steroidal analgesics, including naproxen, ibuprofen, and diclofenac. There are also mixed analgesics.

Objective: To assessment of the general public's knowledge about the types of painkillers and how to use them correctly, and to know the risks of using painkillers excessively without a prescription.

Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to assess people's knowledge and practices about the methods of using analgesics. This study was conducted in the city of Baghdad using a questionnaire form designated for this purpose. The study lasted for four months from 1/1/2024 to 4/4/2024.

Result: This study was conducted in Baghdad city to assess people's knowledge about the ways they use painkillers and the availability of painkillers without a prescription. Most of the study participants were in the age group of (24-29) and were employees.

Conclusions: People's knowledge about painkillers was healthy, as some people answered that painkillers can be used to relieve pain and reduce body temperature. The most commonly used painkillers were paracetamol, followed by ibuprofen. They had knowledge about the risks of using painkillers, as the majority of the sample answered that using painkillers can cause liver and kidney problems.