Vina ER, Hannon MJ, Masood HS, et al. - Researchers investigated whether ethnic differences exist in the use of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and whether observed ethnic differences persist after adjustment for sociodemographic and clinical factors. They administered surveys to knee and hip osteoarthritis study participants to collect information concerning sociodemographics, clinical information, and oral treatment methods for arthritis. Among patients with osteoarthritis, Hispanics vs non-Hispanic whites used OTC NSAIDs less commonly but prescription NSAIDs more commonly. Ethnic differences in the use of oral NSAIDs are partialy mediated by sociodemographic factors. Attenuation of the ethnic difference in using an OTC NSAID instead of not using any oral NSAID was observed and these remained no longer significant when adjusted for age, gender, education, and medical insurance.