The use of and knowledge about proton pump inhibitors in the general population of Austria

Background Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) rank among the most prescribed drugs worldwide and are valuable tools in the therapy of acid related diseases. However, they are often prescribed without evident indication and the therapy often exceeds the recommended duration. Motivated by sky-high sales of PPI in Austria and the unparalleled compliance of patients during PPI usage, we inquired the patients’ motivation and knowledge regarding their PPI use.

Methods We constructed an anonymous personal interview questionnaire and asked a total of 441 consecutive PPI-buying costumers of 2 pharmacies in Carinthia and one in Styria to participate in the poll.

Results The data collected through the questionnaires showed that 57.3 % of the questioned population took a PPI daily for over 12 months, some even as long as 20 years. 47,7% of long-term users considered to stop PPI intake and 55,6% of this group would consider stopping if their general practitioner recommended it. Regarding their knowledge about PPI therapy, 88.4% of the participants did not know how PPIs work and only 13.9% knew about and could name side effects.

Conclusions Long term intake of PPI is common in Austria. Additionally, patients are oblivious about the working mechanism and possible side effect of PPI. This points toward a negligent amount of medical oversight and calls for a more stringent adherence to the prescription guidelines.

Publication History

Article published online:
26 May 2020