PATTERNS OF DRUG UTILIZATION IN INPATIENT DEPARTMENTS, JIMMA HOSPITAL SOUTH WEST ETHIOPIA

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Inappropriate use of drugs adversely affects health care systems in general and patients in particular. Misuse and abuse of drugs are common public health problems in both developed and developing countries. Studies have been conducted to assess the patterns of drug utilization in different set-up. The aim of the study was to assess the pattern of drug utilization in inpatient departments of paediatrics and internal medicine at Jimma hospital.

METHODS: A prospective study was conducted between April 01 and May 30, 2002. Structured format was used to collect data from patients or caretakers and from their records. Follow up was done on a regular basis from the day of admission to the day of discharge and the average period of follow up period was 2 weeks. RESULTS: A total of 80 patients were included in the study. The common causes of hospital admissions were tuberculosis (in adults and severe pneumonia (in children). A total of 251 drugs were prescribed in both paediatrics and medical wards. Antimicrobials, vitamin's and minerals and CNS acting drugs were among the most rescribed agents. Crystalline penicillin was the most frequently used antimicrobial. Thirty seven percent (13) of adult and 43 % (18) of paediatric patients took combinations of drugs. The average number of drugs used per patient was 2.9 and 3.5 for children and adults respectively. The maximum number of drugs used per patient was eight. Twenty four percent (59) of the prescription was inappropriate. In five percent (14) of the prescriptions, the dose was above or below the recommended dose. In (20) the prescriptions, there was no information pertaining to drug dose. The te, interval and duration of administration were correctly written in 58% (77), 77 % (22), and 53 % (55) of the prescriptions respectively.

CONCLUSION: Inappropriate use of drugs is a problem even in a teaching hospital. paration of treatment protocols, guidelines, and formulary is required to minimise "Fisk of irrational drug use. Continuing medical education on the management of espread diseases is mandatory to reduce the risk of inappropriate use of drugs.