AN INVESTIGATION OF OSTEOARTHRITIS MANAGEMENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN TEACHING HOSPITAL, BENIN CITY, NIGERIA

Joshua Ogiangbe Idiake*, Anthony Waka Udezi and Stella Folajole Usifoh

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease that affects the joints of the body. There are different measures through which OA can be managed one of which is pharmacotherapy. Early detection and management is very crucial to the prognosis of the disease. Different patient factors especially co-morbid conditions influence the selection of these agents acclaimed for its management. Methodology: This retrospective study was conducted at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. Information pertaining to OA management was obtained from the case notes at the records Department by the use of a data collection sheet. Data was analysed using SPSS version 24.0 and expressed in frequencies and percentages. With the use of graph-pad instat inferential statistics was done and a P-Value ≤0.05 was interpreted to be statistically significant. Results: Diclofenac (64.9%) was the most prescribed medication followed by paracetamol (22.1%), pregabalin (21.1%) and celecoxib (19.3%). Some patients with co-morbid hypertension (89.50%) were treated with NSAIDs while 87.18% of patients with co-morbid ulcer disease were treated with non-selective NSAIDs co-administered with gastro-protective agents. Omeprazole (81.62%) was the most commonly used gastro-protective agent. Patients’ co-morbid conditions were the only socio-demographic factor that influenced the choice of medication for the treatment of osteoarthritis. (P = O.O311). Conclusion: Diclofenac was the most commonly used medication in the treatment of OA and co-morbid condition was considered by physicians when recommending medications for OA treatment.

Keywords: Osteoarthritis, Treatment, Hospital, Side-effects, NSAIDs.