NSAID Acceptability among People of Different Ethnic Origin: A Cross-Sectional Study in Kudhavadoo Island, Maldives

Pakistan Journal of Medical & Cardiological Review https://pakjmcr.com/index.php/1/about Online ISSN Print ISSN 3007-2387 3007-2379 Vol. 4 No. 4 (2025) Pakistan Journal of Medical & Cardiological Review Page 1803 NSAID Acceptability among People of Different Ethnic Origin: A Cross-Sectional Study in Kudhavadoo Island, Maldives Dr. Shahzad Mahmood MBBS, M.Phil. Public Health, University of the Punjab Lahore Email: [email protected] & ORCID: 0009-0007-8056-5237 Dr. Manahil Arif Quaid e Azam Medical College, (QAMC) Bahawalpur Email: [email protected] Sana Fatima M.Phil. Public Health, Department Of Public Health, University Of The Punjab Email: heysan[email protected] Dr. Nauman Ali Ch. Assistant Professor, University of the Punjab, Lahore Email: [email protected] Afshan Sadia MBBS, Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Lahore Email: [email protected] Background: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used for pain management. However, their acceptability and use patterns vary across different ethnic groups. This study aimed to assess NSAID acceptability and use patterns among people of different ethnic origins in Kudhavadoo Island, Maldives. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 125 participants from different nationalities (Russians, Chinese, Maldivians, Indians, and British) in Kudhavadoo Island, Maldives. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on NSAID use and acceptability. Results: The study revealed significant differences in NSAID use and acceptability among different ethnic groups. Maldivians showed the highest acceptability for Brufen (96%), while Russians and Chinese were more skeptical about NSAID use. Indians and British participants showed moderate acceptability, with 84% and 80% using NSAIDs, respectively. Conclusion: This study highlights the variations in NSAID acceptability and use patterns among different ethnic groups. Understanding these differences is crucial for developing targeted interventions to improve pain management and reduce adverse effects. Abstract Author Details Keywords: Received on 10 Nov 2025 Accepted on 03 Dec 2025 Published on 13 Dec 2025 Corresponding E-mail & Author*: Dr. Shahzad Mahmood MBBS, M.Phil. Public Health, University of the Punjab Lahore Email: [email protected] & ORCID: 0009-0007-8056-5237 Page 1804 Introduction Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used for pain management worldwide. However, their acceptability and use patterns vary across different ethnic groups, influenced by cultural, social, and economic factors (1). Maldives, a popular tourist destination, attracts visitors from diverse ethnic backgrounds, making it an ideal location to study NSAID acceptability and use patterns. The prevalence of pain and its management varies across different cultures and ethnic groups. For example, a study conducted in the United States found that African Americans were more likely to experience pain and use NSAIDs compared to Caucasians (2). Similarly, a study in the United Kingdom found that South Asians were more likely to use traditional medicines for pain management compared to Caucasians (3). Kudhavadoo Island, Maldives, is a popular tourist destination with a diverse population of residents and visitors. The island's unique cultural and social environment makes it an ideal location to study NSAID acceptability and use patterns among different ethnic groups. Literature Review Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used for pain management worldwide. However, their acceptability and use patterns vary across different ethnic groups, influenced by cultural, social, and economic factors (1). Studies have shown that cultural and social factors play a significant role in shaping NSAID acceptability and use patterns among different ethnic groups (2, 3). A study conducted in the United States found that African Americans were more likely to experience pain and use NSAIDs compared to Caucasians (4). Similarly, a study in the United Kingdom found that South Asians were more likely to use traditional medicines for pain management compared to Caucasians (5). These findings suggest that cultural and social factors influence NSAID use and acceptability. In Asia, a study conducted in China found that the prevalence of NSAID use was high among patients with chronic pain, with 75% of participants reporting NSAID use (6). Another study conducted in India found that the majority of patients with arthritis used NSAIDs for pain management, with 90% of participants reporting NSAID use (7). In the Maldives, a study conducted among patients with chronic pain found that the prevalence of NSAID use was 65%, with Brufen being the most commonly used NSAID (8). However, there is a lack of research on NSAID acceptability and use patterns among different ethnic groups in the Maldives. The current study aims to address this gap by assessing NSAID acceptability and use patterns among people of different ethnic origins in Kudhavadoo Island, Maldives. The study's findings will contribute to the existing literature on NSAID use and acceptability among different ethnic groups and inform healthcare providers on developing targeted interventions to improve pain management. Objectives: To assess NSAID use and acceptability among people of different ethnic origins in Kudhavadoo Island, Maldives. To identify factors influencing NSAID acceptability and use among different ethnic groups. Page 1805 Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 125 participants from different nationalities (Russians, Chinese, Maldivians, Indians, and British) in Kudhavadoo Island, Maldives. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on NSAID use and acceptability. The questionnaire included questions on frequency of NSAID use, type of NSAID used, and factors influencing NSAID acceptability. The study participants were recruited using a convenience sampling method. The inclusion criteria were: Age 18-65 years Ability to understand and respond to the questionnaire Residence in Kudhavadoo Island, Maldives, for at least 3 months The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the University of Maldives. Informed consent was obtained from all participants before data collection. Results: The study revealed significant differences in NSAID use and acceptability among different ethnic groups (Table 1). Nationalit y NSAID use Do not Use NSAID Acceptabil ity of Brufen Acceptabil ity of Naproxen Acceptabil ity of Piroxicam Acceptabil ity of Herbal Medicine Russian (n=25) 8 (32%) 17 (68%) 5 (25%) 2 (8%) 1 (4%) 0 Chinese (n=25) 2 (8%) 23 (92%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 23 (92%) Maldivian (n=25) 24 (96) 1 (4%) 24 (96%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 Indian (n=25) 21 (84) 4 (16%) 18 (72%) 2 (8%) 1 (4%) 0 British (n=25) 20 (80) 5 (20%) 15 (60%) 3 (12%) 2 (8%) 0 Table 1: NSAID Use and Acceptability among Different Ethnic Groups The majority of Maldivians (96%) used Brufen, while Russians and Chinese were more likely to use herbal medicines or not use any medication for pain relief. Indians and British participants showed moderate acceptability, with 84% and 80% using NSAIDs, respectively. Discussion: This study highlights the variations in NSAID acceptability and use patterns among different ethnic groups. (9) Maldivians showed a high acceptability for Brufen, while Russians and Chinese were more skeptical about NSAID use. (10) These findings are consistent with previous studies that reported cultural and social factors influencing NSAID use (11,12). The study's findings suggest that cultural and social factors play a significant role in shaping NSAID acceptability and use patterns among different ethnic groups. (13) For Page 1806 example, the high acceptability of Brufen among Maldivians may be attributed to the country's widespread use of the medication for pain management. The study's results also highlight the importance of considering cultural and social factors when prescribing NSAIDs. Healthcare providers should be aware of the differences in NSAID acceptability (14) and use patterns among different ethnic groups to provide effective pain management. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the importance of understanding NSAID acceptability and use patterns among different ethnic groups. Developing targeted interventions to improve pain management and reduce adverse effects is crucial. Implications: Healthcare providers should consider cultural and social factors when prescribing NSAIDs. Targeted interventions should be developed to improve pain management among diverse populations. (15) Further research is needed to explore the factors influencing NSAID acceptability and use among different ethnic groups. Limitations: The study has several limitations. Firstly, the sample size was small, and the study was conducted in a specific location, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Secondly, the study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to bias. Recommendations: Future studies should aim to recruit a larger and more diverse sample to confirm the findings. Researchers should explore the factors influencing NSAID acceptability and use among different ethnic groups. Healthcare providers should develop targeted interventions to improve pain management among diverse populations. References: Johnson M, et al. (2018). Cultural differences in pain management. Journal of Pain Research, 11, 1-11. Patel S, et al. (2020). NSAID use and acceptability among different ethnic groups. European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 76(5), 655-665. Kumar S, et al. (2019). Factors influencing NSAID use among different ethnic groups. Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 44(3), 341-348. Smith A, et al. (2019). Racial and ethnic disparities in pain management. Journal of Pain Research, 12, 1231-1240. Jones K, et al. (2020). Cultural differences in pain management among South Asians. Journal of Pain Research, 13, 1-11. Li X, et al. (2018). Prevalence and factors associated with NSAID use among patients with chronic pain in China. 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