MedWire News: Elderly African-American patients who are taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for conditions such as arthritis are less likely to be aware of the increased risk of stomach ulcers associated with these medications than their White counterparts, researchers have found.

The findings indicate than more should be done to increase awareness of the risks of taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, particularly among elderly people from ethnic minorities, says the team.

Dr Rachel Fry, from the University of Alabama in Birmingham, USA, and team surveyed 404 patients, aged 65 years and older, who were taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs about their knowledge of the risks associated with these medications.

In total, 32% of the participants were African American, and 64% had an annual household income of less than $20,000.

The team found that just 13% of the African-American participants were aware of the ulcer risk associated with over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs compared with 29% of the White patients.

Similarly, just 31% of African-American patients were aware of the dangers associated with prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, compared with 50% of White participants.

Furthermore, only 38% of African Americans reported that their doctor had discussed possible drug-related gastrointestinal problems, whereas 52% of White patients reported that their doctor had discussed such issues.

This finding was reflected by the fact that just 30% of African Americans were prescribed medications to reduce their risk of stomach ulcers, compared with 50% of White patients.

Writing in the journal Arthritis Care and Research, Dr Fry and colleagues conclude: "In this community-based study of low-income elderly individuals receiving non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, we identified important racial/ethnic differences in risk awareness, communication and behaviour."

They add: "Additional efforts are needed to promote safe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use and reduce ethnic/racial disparities."