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Over-the-Counter Painkiller Use in the United Kingdom and Taiwan, A Cross-Cultural Analysis of Self-Medication, Pain Perceptions, and Dependency Considerations

Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Pain is a complex biopsychosocial phenomenon that can substantially affect quality of life. The use of over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers is an important aspect of pain management, particularly where medications are readily accessible without a prescription. Understanding patterns of OTC painkiller use, and the factors associated with self-medication may help inform approaches to responsible pain management across different cultural contexts.Methods: This cross-cultural study investigated OTC painkiller use among members of the public in the United Kingdom and Taiwan. An online questionnaire examined participants' pain perceptions, self-medication practices, painkiller use, demographic characteristics, and considerations relating to dependency. Patterns of OTC painkiller use, and self-medication preferences were compared between the two populations.Results: Despite differences in the accessibility of OTC painkillers between the United Kingdom and Taiwan, the reported rates of painkiller use were similar between the two populations. No significant differences were identified in preferences for self-medication. Although reported levels of dependency were low, concerns relating to dependency were identified as an important consideration in participants' use of painkillers in both regions.Conclusions: The findings indicate that accessibility alone may not explain differences in OTC painkiller use across cultural contexts. Pain perceptions, self-medication practices, and considerations relating to dependency may contribute to how individuals approach OTC pain management. Further research is warranted to examine the cultural and psychological factors underlying OTC painkiller use and to inform culturally sensitive approaches that support the responsible use of non-prescription pain medications.
DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/bky9s_v1
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7213936244
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