Management of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) interactions in students with asthma who visit the surgical department of the Dr. René Puig Bentz dental clinic at the Pedro Henríquez Ureña National University, May-August 2025.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used to control pain,
inflammation, and fever; however, their inappropriate use can trigger adverse
reactions, especially in asthmatic patients, due to NSAID-exacerbated respiratory
disease (NARED or ASA triad). In the dental context, these drugs are often prescribed
postoperatively without always considering the patient's systemic condition. At the Dr.
René Puig Bentz dental clinic, it has been observed that students prescribe NSAIDs
after surgery without comprehensively assessing possible interactions with asthma,
which raises the need to evaluate their level of knowledge and determine whether
their academic training is sufficient.
The study hypothesis establishes that students know how to properly manage NSAID
interactions in asthmatic patients, identify the associated risks, and apply correct
clinical criteria for prescribing them. The null hypothesis maintains that they lack such
knowledge and management skills.
A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in the May-August 2025 semester,
with a sample of 86 students from clinics I to VI. A thirteen-question questionnaire and
a five-item clinical protocol were used to assess theoretical knowledge and practical
decisions. The total population for the period was 150 students.
The results showed that 55.8% had a high level of knowledge, 41.9% had an average
level, and 2.3% had a low level. Clinics II and V obtained the best results, while clinic
VI showed the lowest level, which highlights academic differences between training
levels.
It was concluded that most students have adequate knowledge about the use of
NSAIDs in asthmatic patients, which partially supports the hypothesis. However, the
variability between clinical levels reflects gaps in advanced stages of training. These
findings highlight the importance of reinforcing pharmacological content and
management protocols in patients with asthma to ensure safe and consistent clinical
practice.