Introductions: SL GTN is the golden treatment for immediate relief of angina. However, the efficacy and safety of the drug influenced by patients’ knowledge and use of the drug.
Objective: To assess patient’s knowledge and SL GTN use, correlation between knowledge and use and to study knowledge and use based on socio-demographic.
Methodology: This cross-sectional survey was done conveniently using a validated questionnaire to 171 respondents who received SL GTN. Three areas assessed were demographic, knowledge and use of SL GTN. Eight items in the questionnaire used for assessing knowledge level and 6 items for level of use.
Result: Majority of respondent (98.2%) knew well about indication of SL GTN. However, 78.4% still not aware of this drug’s mechanism of action. Majority (94.7%) also knew the proper storage of SL GTN. About 12.3% didn’t know the maximum tablet of SL GTN can be taken during each angina episode. More than 20% did not know the time sequencing for next tablet. Remarkably, 93.6% have no knowledge that SL GTN can be used as prevention of chest pain. This study showed a positive correlation between knowledge and use (Pearson correlation, r = 0.48). About 69.6% of respondents had moderate knowledge and majority (86.5%) had good adherence. Good knowledge were observed in male (p<0.01) and respondents received tertiary education (p<0.01). Good adherence observed in respondents with tertiary education (p<0.01), duration of treatment less than 3 months (p<0.01) and frequency of use more than once per month (p<0.01). Counselling significantly associated with good knowledge and use.
Conclusions: Inadequate knowledge among patients was observed regarding mechanism of action, as prevention, related adverse effect and stability of SL GTN. Knowledge were significantly different according to respondents’ education level and gender. Use of SL GTN significantly affected by education, duration and frequency of SL GTN.