Pattern of use and awareness of side-effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs among general public in Gondar city, North west Ethiopia

Abstract Background Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used for managing pain, fever, and inflammation. Though over 30 million people use NSAIDs worldwide, a widespread unawareness of their side effects persists, resulting in irrational use and increased global hospital admissions. Currently, no studies have been conducted in Ethiopia concerning the patterns of NSAIDs use or awareness of their side effects. Therefore, this study aims to assess NSAIDs patterns of use and the public’s awareness of associated side effects. Method A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia, from March to May 2025. A systematic random sampling technique was used to enroll 771 participants. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS Version 26 employing binary and multivariable logistic regression. Result In this study, 91.24% response rate was achieved and revealed an NSAIDs use prevalence rate of 74.6%, while 52.3% study subjects were aware of NSAIDs side effects. Meanwhile, factors significantly associated with NSAIDs use included age ≥ 49 years (AOR = 1.28, CI = 1.013–2.952, p = 0.001); being retired (AOR = 1.505, CI = 1.011–3.87, p = 0.014); an ex-smoker (AOR = 1.874, CI = 1.021–2.982, p = 0.01) and having gastrointestinal disease (AOR = 2.435, CI = 1.329–3.871, p = 0.012) or heart disease (AOR = 1.576, CI = 1.278–2.686, p = 0.01). Awareness of NSAIDs side effects was also significantly associated with the following factors: being female (AOR = 1.960, CI = 1.402–2.889, p = 0.006); being a student (AOR = 1.801, CI = 1.076–3.014, p = 0.025); and comorbidities such as musculoskeletal disease (AOR = 1.785, CI = 1.092–2.883, p = 0.03). Conclusion The perceived prevalence of NSAID use, coupled with notable gaps in awareness highlights the critical need for targeted public health education. This should be achieved through collaborative efforts with relevant bodies and healthcare professionals, especially pharmacists, to promote safer and more informed NSAID use.