Racial/ethnic disparities in patient-reported nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) risk awareness, patient-doctor NSAID risk communication, and NSAID risk behavior
✍ Scribed by Fry, Rachel B. ;Ray, Midge N. ;Cobaugh, Daniel J. ;Weissman, Norman W. ;Kiefe, Catarina I. ;Shewchuk, Richard M. ;Saag, Kenneth G. ;Curtis, Jeffrey R. ;Allison, Jeroan J.
- Publisher
- John Wiley and Sons
- Year
- 2007
- Tongue
- English
- Weight
- 116 KB
- Volume
- 57
- Category
- Article
- ISSN
- 0004-3591
No coin nor oath required. For personal study only.
✦ Synopsis
Abstract
Objective
Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used and frequently lead to serious adverse events. Little is known about NSAID‐related ethnic/racial disparities. We focused on differences in patient NSAID risk awareness, patient‐doctor NSAID risk communication, and NSAID risk‐avoidance behavior.
Methods
We performed a cross‐sectional analysis of survey data from the Alabama NSAID Patient Safety Study. Eligible patients were ≥65 years old and currently taking prescription NSAIDs (Rx NSAIDS). Generalized linear latent and mixed models accounted for nesting of patients within physicians.
Results
Of all 404 participants, 32% were African American and 73% were female. The mean ± SD age was 72.8 ± 7.5 years, and 64% reported an annual household income <$20,000. African American patients were less likely than white patients to recognize any risk associated with over‐the‐counter (OTC) NSAIDs (13.3% versus 29.3%; P = 0.001) and Rx NSAIDs (31.3% versus 49.6%; P = 0.001), report that their doctor discussed possible NSAID‐related gastrointestinal problems (38.0% versus 52.4%; P = 0.007), and take medications to reduce ulcer risk (30.5% versus 50.2%; P = 0.001). Patients with lower income and education reported significantly less risk awareness for OTC and Rx NSAIDs. Racial/ethnic differences persisted after adjusting for multiple confounders.
Conclusion
In this community‐based study of low income elderly individuals receiving NSAIDs, we identified important racial/ethnic differences in risk awareness, communication, and behavior. Additional efforts are needed to promote safe NSAID use and reduce ethnic/racial disparities.