CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY: ASSOCIATION BETWEEN ANXIETY DISORDERS AND PARACETAMOL CONSUMPTION AMONG YOUNG ADULTS AGED 18–25 YEARS IN INDONESIA

Kezia Ghalyva Syalillam; Nany Hairunisa

doi:10.51602/cmhp.v9i1.419

Kezia Ghalyva Syalillam Medical Education Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Trisakti, Jakarta, Indonesia
Nany Hairunisa Department of Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Trisakti, Jakarta, Indonesia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.51602/cmhp.v9i1.419

Keywords: anxiety disorders, paracetamol, adolescents, self-medication

Abstract

Background: Adolescents aged 18–25 years are vulnerable to anxiety disorders. Paracetamol, a first-line analgesic widely used for self-medication, is suspected to influence psychological processes. Purpose: to analyze the association between anxiety disorders and paracetamol consumption among adolescents aged 18–25 years in West Jakarta, Indonesia, a metropolitan area with a relatively high prevalence of emotional mental disorders and easy access to over-the-counter paracetamol. Methods: Cross-sectional study included 274 Faculty of Dentistry students at Universitas Trisakti, selected via consecutive sampling. Anxiety was measured using Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, and paracetamol consumption in the previous month with validated questionnaire. Data were analyzed using chi-square test. Results: Most respondents were aged 18–21 years (61.7%) and female (70.4%). Mild anxiety was most common (38.0%), and 31.0% had consumed paracetamol. Age and sex were not significantly associated with paracetamol consumption (p > 0.05). Anxiety level was significantly associated with paracetamol consumption (p < 0.001), highest in moderate anxiety (75.0%). Conclusion: Anxiety disorders are significantly associated with paracetamol consumption among adolescents, although causality cannot be inferred. Early anxiety screening, education on rational paracetamol use, and longitudinal studies assessing dose and frequency are recommended.

Abstrak

Latar Belakang: Remaja usia 18–25 tahun rentan mengalami gangguan kecemasan. Parasetamol, analgesik lini pertama yang banyak digunakan untuk swamedikasi, diduga memengaruhi proses psikologis. Tujuan: menganalisis hubungan antara gangguan kecemasan dan konsumsi parasetamol pada remaja usia 18–25 tahun di Jakarta Barat, Indonesia, kawasan metropolitan dengan prevalensi gangguan mental emosional yang relatif tinggi dan akses mudah terhadap parasetamol sebagai obat bebas. Metode: Penelitian cross-sectional melibatkan 274 mahasiswa Fakultas Kedokteran Gigi Universitas Trisakti dipilih dengan consecutive sampling. Kecemasan diukur dengan Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, dan konsumsi parasetamol sebulan terakhir dengan kuesioner valid-reliabel. Data dianalisis dengan uji chi-square. Hasil: Sebagian besar responden berusia 18–21 tahun (61,7%) dan perempuan (70,4%). Kecemasan ringan paling banyak (38,0%), dan 31,0% responden telah mengonsumsi parasetamol. Usia dan jenis kelamin tidak berhubungan signifikan dengan konsumsi parasetamol (p > 0,05). Tingkat kecemasan berhubungan signifikan dengan konsumsi parasetamol (p < 0,001), tertinggi pada kecemasan sedang (75,0%). Kesimpulan: Gangguan kecemasan berhubungan signifikan dengan konsumsi parasetamol pada remaja, meskipun hubungan kausal belum dapat disimpulkan. Skrining dini kecemasan, edukasi penggunaan parasetamol secara rasional, dan penelitian longitudinal yang menilai dosis dan frekuensi direkomendasikan.

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