A Survey-Based Assessment of the Use and Perceived Effectiveness of PRP Therapy for Joint Disorders in Tripoli, Libya

• Ensherah Ben-Zekri

  Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tripoli, Tripoli/Libya.

  Author

• Nabila Rghebi

  Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tripoli, Tripoli/Libya.

  Author

• Zahrah Alrifae

  Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tripoli, Tripoli/Libya.

  Author

• Abtihal Alaqeeli

  Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tripoli, Tripoli/Libya.

  Author

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous blood-derived product with a high concentration of platelets, used as a therapeutic option to promote tissue healing and regeneration. It is increasingly applied in orthopedic and regenerative medicine as a safe, minimally invasive treatment for conditions such as osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal injuries. Its effectiveness is mainly due to the release of growth factors and cytokines that enhance cellular processes involved in tissue repair, including proliferation, migration, and differentiation. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of PRP use for pain disorders in Tripoli, Libya, and to evaluate patients' Perspectives and Attitudes regarding the effectiveness, safety, and satisfaction of PRP therapy. This cross-sectional study was conducted among patients who had received PRP therapy in selected healthcare facilities in Tripoli, Libya, between October 2025 and January 2026. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire assessing PRP treatment patterns and their perspectives and attitudes regarding the effectiveness, safety, and satisfaction of PRP therapy. The questionnaire comprised two sections: the first included patients’ demographic characteristics, and the second assessed patients’ perspectives and attitudes toward the effectiveness, safety, and satisfaction of PRP therapy. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. The majority of participants were females (88.9%) and aged over 40 years (79.3%). The vast majority of participants (129; 95.6%) experienced clinical improvement after PRP therapy, whereas only six reported no benefit.. A high level of satisfaction was observed, with 54.8% rating the treatment as excellent. Adverse effects were minimal (5.2%) and mainly limited to mild pain at the injection site. Social media was the primary source of information (45.2%), while only a small proportion (6.7%) received information from healthcare professionals. The results of this study showed that all participants who received platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy for joint disorders reported noticeable clinical improvement and benefits. Overall, PRP demonstrated an excellent safety profile. Additionally, a high level of patient confidence was observed, with many participants rating the therapy’s effectiveness as “excellent.”

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