Health literacy assessment of pharmacists about safety and efficiency of nonsteroid antiinflammatory drugs

The aim of the research was to study and assess awareness of pharmaceutical specialists in Petrozavodsk about rational use of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). 109 participants completed anonymous questionnaires. Statistical processing of the results was performed. Criteria for recommendation pain controlling medications and sources of information were identified. To assess and study pharmacists’ literacy on NSAID pharmacological properties a 10-question test was carried out. Results of the test showed that pharmaceutical specialists are well informed about rational use of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs. At the same time, the knowledge of pharmacists about what NSAID drugs are prescription or over-the-counter ones, their possible side effects, advantages, and disadvantages of selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors was found to be insufficient. The results of this work can be used to develop special program to promote safe NSAID use.