Physiotherapists' Knowledge and Usage of Topical Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in the Management of Musculoskeletal Pain in Benin City, Edo State

Abstract

Background: Physiotherapists are often faced with patients seeking conservative care for musculoskeletal pain (MSK-P) that necessitates the use of topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This study assessed the knowledge and usage of topical NSAIDs for MSK-P among Physiotherapists in Benin City, Nigeria.

Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 66 Physiotherapists from physiotherapy clinics in Benin city using consecutive sampling. A self-administered questionnaire on the knowledge and practice of Physiotherapists on NSAIDs was adapted from a previous study and distributed to the participants. Data was summarized with frequency and percentages, while Chi-square statistics was employed to analyze the associations between variables. Level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results: The findings on respondents revealed that 35 (53%) were males, 53 (80.3%) had 1-5 years of working experience, 48 (72.7%) had received education on NSAIDs during entry-level physiotherapy, 41 (62.1%) had updated knowledge on topical NSAIDs within the past 6-months, and the internet was the source of information for 46 (69.7%).  All respondents 66 (100%) had knowledge of topical NSAIDs on prescription, risk of skin irritation, adverse reaction of skin reaction and contraindication on open wounds. Fifty-nine (89.4%) of the respondents recommended NSAIDs to their patients. Respondents’ practice behaviour was significantly associated with place of employment (p=0.001) and current knowledge of topical NSAIDs (p<0.001).

Conclusion: Physiotherapists in Benin City are knowledgeable of topical NSAIDs and they recommend NSAIDs to patients with MSK-P. Physiotherapists’ practice behaviour of topical NSAIDs is significantly associated with place of employment and current knowledge of topical NSAIDs.