Patients' Understanding of the Risk of Gastric Irritation Associated with Analgesic Use at the Executive Pharmacy Depot, Pindad General Hospital

Abstract

Analgesics are widely used for pain management, but their gastrointestinal safety profiles differ across drug classes. This study aimed to describe patients' understanding of the risk of gastric irritation associated with analgesic use at the Executive Pharmacy Depot of Pindad General Hospital. A descriptive quantitative approach was used among 55 respondents who voluntarily accessed and completed a barcode-based questionnaire during May 2026. The seven-item instrument assessed recognition of analgesics, prolonged-use precautions, label and expiry-date checking, dose limits, responses to adverse effects, use according to professional instructions, and consultation before analgesic use. Overall, 47 respondents (85.5%) were classified as having good understanding and 8 (14.5%) as having moderate understanding; none were classified as poor. The main knowledge gap concerned consultation with a healthcare professional before analgesic use. Meloxicam (38.2%) and paracetamol (34.5%) were the most frequently reported analgesics. Because recruitment depended on voluntary barcode access at a single pharmacy depot, the findings should be interpreted descriptively and not generalized beyond the study setting. The study supports Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) by highlighting medication safety, prevention of avoidable gastrointestinal adverse effects, and the role of pharmaceutical education in promoting rational analgesic use.