Analgesics use for Musculoskeletal pain and its associated factors among Tanesco workers in DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction: Analgesics are a group of medicines used for relieving pain. These drugs function by reducing the perception of pain signals within the brain. The high incidence of musculoskeletal disorders is likely to lead to a growing demand for pain management drugs. Objective of the study: The aim was to determine analgesics use for musculoskeletal pain and its associated factors among TANESCO workers in Dar es salaam, Tanzania. Methods and Materials: This is a cross-sectional study involving 329 workers who randomly sampled from six TANESCO district offices in Dar es Salaam. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit responses on types of analgesics used, frequency of analgesics uses, knowledge of analgesics, and factors at work associated the use of analgesics for musculoskeletal pain. Modified Poisson regression approach was employed to examine the factors associated with analgesics use. Results: The majority of workers were aged between 18 to 50 years (92.7%). The overall prevalence of analgesics use for musculoskeletal pain was 75% and 55.67% of workers were engaged in self-medication. More than half (57.7%) of the respondents used brands which contain paracetamol, aspirin and caffeine as the active ingredients and (68.6%) used the pain killers for more than three days in a week. More than half of the respondents had a medium level of knowledge on analgesics use for musculoskeletal pain. Modified Poisson showed that the type of job performed at work and age were significantly associated with the use of analgesics for musculoskeletal pain, (p<0.05). Long exposure to computers’ screen in the working environments was also associated with the use of analgesics for musculoskeletal pain (p<0.05). Conclusion and Recommendation: Knowledge on analgesic use and knowledge of probable serious side effects was inadequate. Pharmacists and other healthcare providers involvement in education of clients of the side effects of analgesics is highly recommended to minimize misuse. The Medicines and Medical Devices Authority should regulate the availability of analgesics in the market, especially in non-health facilities