Epidemiological profile of pain and non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug use in collegiate athletes in the United States

Abstract

Background: Although athletic endeavours are associated with a high amount of physical stress and injury, the prevalence of pain is underreported in the sports medicine literature with only a few studies reporting pain on collegiate athletes or exploring sex difference of pain. Impact of pain on athlete availability, training and performance can be mitigated when key epidemiological information is used to inform adequate pain management strategies. This study aims to 1) provide an epidemiological profile of self-reported pain experienced by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) athletes by sex during the first half of the 2019 season, 2) describe their self-reported non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use. Methods: Online survey was completed by athletes at three NCAA institutions from 1 August to 30 September 2019. Descriptive statistics were used to describe player demographic data, self-reported pain and self-reported NSAID use. Pain incidence proportion were calculated. Results: Two hundred thirty female athletes and 83 male athletes completed the survey. Self-reported pain incidence proportion for female athletes was 45.0 (95% CI 41.5-48.5) vs 34.9 (95% CI 29.4-40.4) for male athletes. Majority of the athletes did not report pain (55% female vs 62% male) during the first half of the 2019 season. Female athletes reported pain in their back (35%), knee (26%), and ankle/foot (23%) whilst male athletes reported pain in their knee (35%), back (28%), and shoulder (24%). Of all athletes, 28% female vs 20% male athletes reported currently taking NSAIDs. Of athletes that reported pain, 46% female vs 38% male athletes currently took NSAIDs. 70% female vs 61% male athletes self-purchased NSAIDs, and 40% female vs 55% male athletes consumed alcohol. Conclusions: Half of female athletes and one in three male athletes reported pain. Most commonly back, knee and foot/ankle pain and knee, back and shoulder pain was reported in female and male athletes respectively. One in four female athletes and one in five male athletes use NSAIDs for pain or prophylactic purpose. Majority selfpurchase these medications indicating need for health literacy interventions to mitigate potential adverse effects.

Effect of Quercetin on Injury to Indomethacin-Treated Human Embryonic Kidney 293 Cells

“…The adverse consequences and side effects of NSAIDs are often underestimated [24,25]. They pose a high risk of AKI in people who use them without professional consultation, including athletes and older adults, as well as in long-term users [15,16,26,88].…”

“…NSAIDs are commonly consumed as a fever reducers and analgesics, and because of their versatile effects, their daily use has become common [24]. Because athletes frequently experience physical stress and injuries, they might use painkillers to relieve discomfort [25]. Nevertheless, the adverse consequences and side effects of most of these drugs are underestimated [24,25].…”

“…Because athletes frequently experience physical stress and injuries, they might use painkillers to relieve discomfort [25]. Nevertheless, the adverse consequences and side effects of most of these drugs are underestimated [24,25]. NSAID intake can increase the chronic kidney disease (CKD) risk, and this risk may be greater than previously estimated.…”

Uses of Health Care System Medical Care Services by Athletes After Injury at the High School Level

“…To make meaningful comparisons between sports, sport played was collapsed into collision, field and court sport, overhead, and individual. 27 …”

Efficacy of topical versus oral analgesic medication compared to a placebo in injured athletes: A systematic review with meta‐analysis

“…7 One study indicated that 46% of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) female athletes and 38% of NCAA male athletes who were experiencing injury-related pain were taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). 8 Among them, 70% of female athletes had purchased the NSAIDs themselves, versus 61% of male athletes, suggesting that they might not be part of their medical record or known by the medical staff. Another study reported that 62% of collegiate athletes use non-prescription drugs for injury-related pain management.…”