KNOWLEDGE REGARDING BENEFITS AND HAZARDS OF THE USE OF ASPIRIN IN DIABETIC PATIENTS AMONG NURSES

Background: Aspirin is called a wonder drug because of its unique pharmacological properties and therapeutic potential. Aim: this study is conducted to gauge the knowledge of nurses in the management of in-patient and out-patient cases of metabolic syndrome and hence the long-term benefits and hazards of aspirin for the prevention in diabetes and macro-vascular disease. Material and Methods: This observational study was conducted using a purpose based convenient sampling in which 100 nurses working in different departments of District Headquarters Hospital Kasur were enrolled during September 2021 to December 2021. A self-structured expert reviewed hand-out was distributed containing 5 close ended questions regarding benefits and hazards of aspirin use respectively in diabetic patients. The response was recorded and analyzed through SPSS 21. Results: The majority of the participants were female (94%), married (78%), Muslim (80%) with a mean age of 27.22 ± 5.58 years. 46% were charge nurses, 72% had attended formal training courses and 60% had an experience of 10 years and above. (Table 1). 86% of the nurses agreed that aspirin use is associated with the reduction in the all-cause mortality and 97% believed that it helps in the primary prevention of acute myocardial infarction. 70% agreed that aspirin prevents from peripheral vascular disease/diabetic foot. 88% believed that long term aspirin use is associated with the potential risk of GI bleeding and 86% were of the opinion that concomitant use of proton pump inhibitors can help reduce the associated risk. 78% viewed aspirin to alter renal functions because of its NSAID (prostaglandin inhibition affect) thus compromising the renal blood flow and hence the glomerular filtration rate. On the contrary, 72% believed that all newly diagnosed diabetic patient should start taking aspirin on their own irrespective of the consultant opinion, 84% feared aspirin can further aggravate the retinopathy and 66% thought it safe to administer aspirin to uncontrolled hypertensive patients having blood pressure > 200/110mmHg. Conclusion: Due to the grey zone between the benefits and hazards of aspirin use in diabetics, the clinical parameters should be reassessed and comprehensive glycemic control HbA1c <7.0, target blood pressure of <130/80 mmHg, body mass index < 25kg/m² and desirable lipid profile should be ensured along with low dose aspirin for the prophylaxis against CV related mortality and morbidity. Above all the nurses involved in the care of such chronic patients should be educated on the basis of latest treatment guidelines with special consideration to the adverse effects