Awareness Level of Patients Using Proton Pump Inhibitor Applying to a Training Family Health Center

Abstract

Objective: Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are the third most widely used drugs in the world. Due to the unknown side effects, there has been an increase in its unnecessary use in recent years. The aim of the study is to examine the PPI use status of patients in primary care and to determine their awareness of side effects and treatment. Methods: The study is of descriptive cross-sectional type. 'Investigation of PPI treatment awareness questionnaire' was applied to 257 people. The significance level was taken as p<0.05. Results: The mean age of 257 individuals participating in the study was 58.09+-15.92, 63.4% were female. Only 23.3% of the participants had knowledge of the side effects of PPIs. The frequency of PPI use for 6 months or more was higher in those with any comorbidity, and this was statistically significant (p<0.05). 41.1% of those using PPI for more than 2 years had never had an endoscopy before (p>0.05). Conclusion: Physicians prescribing a PPI should prescribe the lowest dose possible if it is to be used longterm. In order to avoid inappropriate long-term use of PPIs, patients should be questioned well at periodic controls and if the clinical course is positive, on-demand treatment should be applied. It is necessary to use PPIs for the lowest time possible and at the most appropriate dose. It is thought that standard guidelines are needed in terms of discontinuing the drug as well as initiating PPIs.

Keywords

• proton pump inhibitors
• adverse effects
• primary care