Assessment of Public Awareness and Attitudes Toward the Use of Over-the-Counter Analgesics and Their Potential Risks

Ahmed Ali Ebshena; Zubaeda Alsayeh

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijsr.20260101.13

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Assessment of Public Awareness and Attitudes Toward the Use of Over-the-Counter Analgesics and Their Potential Risks

Ahmed Ali Ebshena^*

, Zubaeda Alsayeh

Published in International Journal of Safety Research (Volume 1, Issue 1)

Received: 26 October 2025 Accepted: 4 November 2025 Published: 8 January 2026

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Abstract

Background: Over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics are among the most commonly used medications worldwide due to their accessibility, affordability, and perceived safety. However, inappropriate and unsupervised use can lead to significant health complications such as hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, gastrointestinal bleeding, and drug interactions. In developing countries such as Libya, where pharmacy regulations and public health education remain under development, the tendency toward self-medication with OTC analgesics is notably high. Despite the potential public health implications, limited empirical evidence exists regarding public awareness, attitudes, and patterns of OTC analgesic use in Libyan communities. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate public awareness, attitudes, and practices related to the use of OTC analgesics and to identify potential knowledge gaps and behavioral risk factors associated with their misuse. The investigation focused on three Libyan cities Zawiya, Surman, and Sabratha and included participants from the general population, university students, and practicing pharmacists to ensure a comprehensive understanding across different educational and professional backgrounds. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted between March and July 2025, enrolling a total of 200 participants selected through convenience sampling. Data were gathered via a validated and pre-tested self-administered questionnaire comprising five sections: demographic characteristics, types and frequency of OTC analgesic use, sources of information, awareness of potential adverse effects, and attitudes toward self-medication. Results: Out of the 200 participants, 54% were female and 46% male, with a mean age of 27.3 ± 8.6 years. Approximately 68% reported using OTC analgesics without medical consultation, most commonly paracetamol (acetaminophen) and ibuprofen. Pharmacists exhibited the highest awareness of potential risks (mean score = 82.4%), followed by university students (63.1%) and the general public (49.6%). Statistical analysis indicated significant differences in awareness across groups (p < 0.001). Awareness levels showed a positive correlation with educational attainment (r = 0.46, p < 0.01) and a negative correlation with frequency of unsupervised use (r = -0.38, p < 0.05). Despite this, only 37% of respondents could correctly identify the risks of excessive paracetamol use or potential gastrointestinal complications related to NSAIDs. Conclusion: The findings underscore a substantial gap in public knowledge regarding the safe use of OTC analgesics in the studied Libyan regions. Misconceptions about the safety of common painkillers, combined with insufficient pharmacist counseling, contribute to high rates of unsupervised medication use. Strengthening public health education, integrating rational drug use modules into university curricula, and enhancing community pharmacy engagement are strongly recommended.

Published in	International Journal of Safety Research (Volume 1, Issue 1)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijsr.20260101.13
Page(s)	16-23
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2026. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Self-medication, Public Awareness, Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Pharmacy Practice

References

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[4]	Elghazaly A, AlSaeed N, Islam S, Alsharif I, Alharbi L, Al Ashagr T, Alshanifi A, Alrashoudi R, Alsharidi A, Alhokail A, Dirar Q, Shibl A, Al-Kattan K, Abothneen N, Al-Mozaini M.PLoS One. 2023 Jul 27; 18(7): e0288838. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0288838 eCollection 2023.
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[13]	Hassan, R., Omar, L., & Salama, M. (2022). Gender differences in self-medication and risk perception among Mediterranean adults. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(8), 4912.
[14]	Zidan, K., Al-Kuwari, A., & Samir, H. (2023). Urban exposure and medication literacy: Evidence from Middle Eastern populations. Journal of Public Health Research, 12(4), 912-920.
[15]	Ben Saad, H., Chentouf, A., & Khaldi, S. (2023). Urban-rural disparities in medication safety awareness across North Africa. African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine, 15(1), 364-375.
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APA Style

Ebshena, A. A., Alsayeh, Z. (2026). Assessment of Public Awareness and Attitudes Toward the Use of Over-the-Counter Analgesics and Their Potential Risks. International Journal of Safety Research, 1(1), 16-23. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijsr.20260101.13

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ACS Style

Ebshena, A. A.; Alsayeh, Z. Assessment of Public Awareness and Attitudes Toward the Use of Over-the-Counter Analgesics and Their Potential Risks. Int. J. Saf. Res. 2026, 1(1), 16-23. doi: 10.11648/j.ijsr.20260101.13

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AMA Style

Ebshena AA, Alsayeh Z. Assessment of Public Awareness and Attitudes Toward the Use of Over-the-Counter Analgesics and Their Potential Risks. Int J Saf Res. 2026;1(1):16-23. doi: 10.11648/j.ijsr.20260101.13

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@article{10.11648/j.ijsr.20260101.13,
  author = {Ahmed Ali Ebshena and Zubaeda Alsayeh},
  title = {Assessment of Public Awareness and Attitudes Toward the Use of Over-the-Counter Analgesics and Their Potential Risks},
  journal = {International Journal of Safety Research},
  volume = {1},
  number = {1},
  pages = {16-23},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijsr.20260101.13},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijsr.20260101.13},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijsr.20260101.13},
  abstract = {Background: Over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics are among the most commonly used medications worldwide due to their accessibility, affordability, and perceived safety. However, inappropriate and unsupervised use can lead to significant health complications such as hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, gastrointestinal bleeding, and drug interactions. In developing countries such as Libya, where pharmacy regulations and public health education remain under development, the tendency toward self-medication with OTC analgesics is notably high. Despite the potential public health implications, limited empirical evidence exists regarding public awareness, attitudes, and patterns of OTC analgesic use in Libyan communities. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate public awareness, attitudes, and practices related to the use of OTC analgesics and to identify potential knowledge gaps and behavioral risk factors associated with their misuse. The investigation focused on three Libyan cities Zawiya, Surman, and Sabratha and included participants from the general population, university students, and practicing pharmacists to ensure a comprehensive understanding across different educational and professional backgrounds. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted between March and July 2025, enrolling a total of 200 participants selected through convenience sampling. Data were gathered via a validated and pre-tested self-administered questionnaire comprising five sections: demographic characteristics, types and frequency of OTC analgesic use, sources of information, awareness of potential adverse effects, and attitudes toward self-medication. Results: Out of the 200 participants, 54% were female and 46% male, with a mean age of 27.3 ± 8.6 years. Approximately 68% reported using OTC analgesics without medical consultation, most commonly paracetamol (acetaminophen) and ibuprofen. Pharmacists exhibited the highest awareness of potential risks (mean score = 82.4%), followed by university students (63.1%) and the general public (49.6%). Statistical analysis indicated significant differences in awareness across groups (p Conclusion: The findings underscore a substantial gap in public knowledge regarding the safe use of OTC analgesics in the studied Libyan regions. Misconceptions about the safety of common painkillers, combined with insufficient pharmacist counseling, contribute to high rates of unsupervised medication use. Strengthening public health education, integrating rational drug use modules into university curricula, and enhancing community pharmacy engagement are strongly recommended.},
 year = {2026}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Assessment of Public Awareness and Attitudes Toward the Use of Over-the-Counter Analgesics and Their Potential Risks
AU  - Ahmed Ali Ebshena
AU  - Zubaeda Alsayeh
Y1  - 2026/01/08
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijsr.20260101.13
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijsr.20260101.13
T2  - International Journal of Safety Research
JF  - International Journal of Safety Research
JO  - International Journal of Safety Research
SP  - 16
EP  - 23
PB  - Science Publishing Group
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijsr.20260101.13
AB  - Background: Over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics are among the most commonly used medications worldwide due to their accessibility, affordability, and perceived safety. However, inappropriate and unsupervised use can lead to significant health complications such as hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, gastrointestinal bleeding, and drug interactions. In developing countries such as Libya, where pharmacy regulations and public health education remain under development, the tendency toward self-medication with OTC analgesics is notably high. Despite the potential public health implications, limited empirical evidence exists regarding public awareness, attitudes, and patterns of OTC analgesic use in Libyan communities. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate public awareness, attitudes, and practices related to the use of OTC analgesics and to identify potential knowledge gaps and behavioral risk factors associated with their misuse. The investigation focused on three Libyan cities Zawiya, Surman, and Sabratha and included participants from the general population, university students, and practicing pharmacists to ensure a comprehensive understanding across different educational and professional backgrounds. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted between March and July 2025, enrolling a total of 200 participants selected through convenience sampling. Data were gathered via a validated and pre-tested self-administered questionnaire comprising five sections: demographic characteristics, types and frequency of OTC analgesic use, sources of information, awareness of potential adverse effects, and attitudes toward self-medication. Results: Out of the 200 participants, 54% were female and 46% male, with a mean age of 27.3 ± 8.6 years. Approximately 68% reported using OTC analgesics without medical consultation, most commonly paracetamol (acetaminophen) and ibuprofen. Pharmacists exhibited the highest awareness of potential risks (mean score = 82.4%), followed by university students (63.1%) and the general public (49.6%). Statistical analysis indicated significant differences in awareness across groups (p Conclusion: The findings underscore a substantial gap in public knowledge regarding the safe use of OTC analgesics in the studied Libyan regions. Misconceptions about the safety of common painkillers, combined with insufficient pharmacist counseling, contribute to high rates of unsupervised medication use. Strengthening public health education, integrating rational drug use modules into university curricula, and enhancing community pharmacy engagement are strongly recommended.
VL  - 1
IS  - 1
ER  -

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Author Information

Ahmed Ali Ebshena

Department of Anesthesiology, University of Sabratha, Sabu, Sabratha, Libya

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0003-0270-3949
Zubaeda Alsayeh

Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zawia, Az Zawiyah, Libya

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0004-9256-8548

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APA Style

Ebshena, A. A., Alsayeh, Z. (2026). Assessment of Public Awareness and Attitudes Toward the Use of Over-the-Counter Analgesics and Their Potential Risks. International Journal of Safety Research, 1(1), 16-23. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijsr.20260101.13

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ACS Style

Ebshena, A. A.; Alsayeh, Z. Assessment of Public Awareness and Attitudes Toward the Use of Over-the-Counter Analgesics and Their Potential Risks. Int. J. Saf. Res. 2026, 1(1), 16-23. doi: 10.11648/j.ijsr.20260101.13

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AMA Style

Ebshena AA, Alsayeh Z. Assessment of Public Awareness and Attitudes Toward the Use of Over-the-Counter Analgesics and Their Potential Risks. Int J Saf Res. 2026;1(1):16-23. doi: 10.11648/j.ijsr.20260101.13

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@article{10.11648/j.ijsr.20260101.13,
  author = {Ahmed Ali Ebshena and Zubaeda Alsayeh},
  title = {Assessment of Public Awareness and Attitudes Toward the Use of Over-the-Counter Analgesics and Their Potential Risks},
  journal = {International Journal of Safety Research},
  volume = {1},
  number = {1},
  pages = {16-23},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijsr.20260101.13},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijsr.20260101.13},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijsr.20260101.13},
  abstract = {Background: Over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics are among the most commonly used medications worldwide due to their accessibility, affordability, and perceived safety. However, inappropriate and unsupervised use can lead to significant health complications such as hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, gastrointestinal bleeding, and drug interactions. In developing countries such as Libya, where pharmacy regulations and public health education remain under development, the tendency toward self-medication with OTC analgesics is notably high. Despite the potential public health implications, limited empirical evidence exists regarding public awareness, attitudes, and patterns of OTC analgesic use in Libyan communities. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate public awareness, attitudes, and practices related to the use of OTC analgesics and to identify potential knowledge gaps and behavioral risk factors associated with their misuse. The investigation focused on three Libyan cities Zawiya, Surman, and Sabratha and included participants from the general population, university students, and practicing pharmacists to ensure a comprehensive understanding across different educational and professional backgrounds. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted between March and July 2025, enrolling a total of 200 participants selected through convenience sampling. Data were gathered via a validated and pre-tested self-administered questionnaire comprising five sections: demographic characteristics, types and frequency of OTC analgesic use, sources of information, awareness of potential adverse effects, and attitudes toward self-medication. Results: Out of the 200 participants, 54% were female and 46% male, with a mean age of 27.3 ± 8.6 years. Approximately 68% reported using OTC analgesics without medical consultation, most commonly paracetamol (acetaminophen) and ibuprofen. Pharmacists exhibited the highest awareness of potential risks (mean score = 82.4%), followed by university students (63.1%) and the general public (49.6%). Statistical analysis indicated significant differences in awareness across groups (p Conclusion: The findings underscore a substantial gap in public knowledge regarding the safe use of OTC analgesics in the studied Libyan regions. Misconceptions about the safety of common painkillers, combined with insufficient pharmacist counseling, contribute to high rates of unsupervised medication use. Strengthening public health education, integrating rational drug use modules into university curricula, and enhancing community pharmacy engagement are strongly recommended.},
 year = {2026}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Assessment of Public Awareness and Attitudes Toward the Use of Over-the-Counter Analgesics and Their Potential Risks
AU  - Ahmed Ali Ebshena
AU  - Zubaeda Alsayeh
Y1  - 2026/01/08
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijsr.20260101.13
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijsr.20260101.13
T2  - International Journal of Safety Research
JF  - International Journal of Safety Research
JO  - International Journal of Safety Research
SP  - 16
EP  - 23
PB  - Science Publishing Group
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijsr.20260101.13
AB  - Background: Over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics are among the most commonly used medications worldwide due to their accessibility, affordability, and perceived safety. However, inappropriate and unsupervised use can lead to significant health complications such as hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, gastrointestinal bleeding, and drug interactions. In developing countries such as Libya, where pharmacy regulations and public health education remain under development, the tendency toward self-medication with OTC analgesics is notably high. Despite the potential public health implications, limited empirical evidence exists regarding public awareness, attitudes, and patterns of OTC analgesic use in Libyan communities. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate public awareness, attitudes, and practices related to the use of OTC analgesics and to identify potential knowledge gaps and behavioral risk factors associated with their misuse. The investigation focused on three Libyan cities Zawiya, Surman, and Sabratha and included participants from the general population, university students, and practicing pharmacists to ensure a comprehensive understanding across different educational and professional backgrounds. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted between March and July 2025, enrolling a total of 200 participants selected through convenience sampling. Data were gathered via a validated and pre-tested self-administered questionnaire comprising five sections: demographic characteristics, types and frequency of OTC analgesic use, sources of information, awareness of potential adverse effects, and attitudes toward self-medication. Results: Out of the 200 participants, 54% were female and 46% male, with a mean age of 27.3 ± 8.6 years. Approximately 68% reported using OTC analgesics without medical consultation, most commonly paracetamol (acetaminophen) and ibuprofen. Pharmacists exhibited the highest awareness of potential risks (mean score = 82.4%), followed by university students (63.1%) and the general public (49.6%). Statistical analysis indicated significant differences in awareness across groups (p Conclusion: The findings underscore a substantial gap in public knowledge regarding the safe use of OTC analgesics in the studied Libyan regions. Misconceptions about the safety of common painkillers, combined with insufficient pharmacist counseling, contribute to high rates of unsupervised medication use. Strengthening public health education, integrating rational drug use modules into university curricula, and enhancing community pharmacy engagement are strongly recommended.
VL  - 1
IS  - 1
ER  -

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