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Alwis I, Rajapaksha B, Jayasanka C, Dharmaratne SD. Morbidity profile and pharmaceutical management of adult outpatients between primary and tertiary care levels in Sri Lanka: a dual-centre, comparative study. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2024; 25:200. [PMID: 38844839 PMCID: PMC11155019 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-024-02448-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Outpatient care is central to both primary and tertiary levels in a health system. However, evidence is limited on outpatient differences between these levels, especially in South Asia. This study aimed to describe and compare the morbidity profile (presenting morbidities, comorbidities, multimorbidity) and pharmaceutical management (patterns, indicators) of adult outpatients between a primary and tertiary care outpatient department (OPD) in Sri Lanka. METHODS A comparative study was conducted by recruiting 737 adult outpatients visiting a primary care and a tertiary care facility in the Kandy district. A self-administered questionnaire and a data sheet were used to collect outpatient and prescription data. Following standard categorisations, Chi-square tests and Mann‒Whitney U tests were employed for comparisons. RESULTS Outpatient cohorts were predominated by females and middle-aged individuals. The median duration of presenting symptoms was higher in tertiary care OPD (10 days, interquartile range: 57) than in primary care (3 days, interquartile range: 12). The most common systemic complaint in primary care OPD was respiratory symptoms (32.4%), whereas it was dermatological symptoms (30.2%) in tertiary care. The self-reported prevalence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) was 37.9% (95% CI: 33.2-42.8) in tertiary care OPD and 33.2% (95% CI: 28.5-38.3) in primary care; individual disease differences were significant only for diabetes (19.7% vs. 12.8%). The multimorbidity in tertiary care OPD was 19.0% (95% CI: 15.3-23.1), while it was 15.9% (95% CI: 12.4-20.0) in primary care. Medicines per encounter at primary care OPD (3.86, 95% CI: 3.73-3.99) was higher than that at tertiary care (3.47, 95% CI: 3.31-3.63). Medicines per encounter were highest for constitutional and respiratory symptoms in both settings. Overall prescribing of corticosteroids (62.7%), vitamin supplements (45.8%), anti-allergic (55.3%) and anti-asthmatic (31.3%) drugs was higher in the primary care OPD, and the two former drugs did not match the morbidity profile. The proportion of antibiotics prescribed did not differ significantly between OPDs. Subgroup analyses of drug categories by morbidity largely followed these overall differences. CONCLUSIONS The morbidities between primary and tertiary care OPDs differed in duration and type but not in terms of multimorbidity or most comorbidities. Pharmaceutical management also varied in terms of medicines per encounter and prescribed categories. This evidence supports planning in healthcare and provides directions for future research in primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inosha Alwis
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
| | | | - Chanuka Jayasanka
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Samath D Dharmaratne
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
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Manirakiza A, Gitonga Nyamu D, Maru SM, Bizimana T, Nimpagaritse M. Evaluating drug use patterns among paediatric outpatients in Burundi. J Pharm Policy Pract 2024; 17:2312369. [PMID: 38444527 PMCID: PMC10914302 DOI: 10.1080/20523211.2024.2312369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Rational prescribing is key to optimising therapeutic outcomes and avoiding risks associated with irrational use of medicines. Using WHO drug use indicators, this study evaluated drug use patterns among paediatric outpatient encounters at Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) in Bujumbura Mairie, Republic of Burundi. Methods Descriptive cross-sectional research assessed paediatric medicine use in 20 PHCs. From 8 February to 7 April 2023, 800 randomly selected paediatric encounters' 2022-year data were retrospectively collected. Data for specific facility indicators were prospectively collected. SPSS 23 was used to analyse data. Results 800 outpatient child encounters were analysed, 48.4% female and 51.6% male. The mean number of medicines per encounter was 2.4(±0.99). The injection rate was 9.9%. Overall, 78.8% of generics and 85.2% of essential medicines were prescribed. Results show drug prescribing differences between private and government PHCs (p < 0.001). All PHCs studied had no standard treatment guidelines (STGs), while 50% had an essential medicine list (EML) and 85% of key medicines were available. Conclusion Poor prescribing practices were found indicating the need for interventions to promote good drug use practices. A large study at a national scale is required to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the overall drug use practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audace Manirakiza
- Master of Health Supply Chain Management at the East African Community Regional Centre of Excellence for Vaccines, Immunization, and Health Supply Chain Management, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - David Gitonga Nyamu
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Naïrobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Shital Mahindra Maru
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmaceutics and Pharmacognosy, University of Naïrobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Thomas Bizimana
- Master of Health Supply Chain Management at the East African Community Regional Centre of Excellence for Vaccines, Immunization, and Health Supply Chain Management, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
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Mbabazize GM, Kagisha V, Njunwa KJ, Oloro J. The effect of prescription patterns on the performance of the pharmacy department of a Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda. J Pharm Policy Pract 2024; 17:2306852. [PMID: 38384396 PMCID: PMC10880563 DOI: 10.1080/20523211.2024.2306852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Poor drug prescription patterns (PP) result in irrational medicine use, avoidable stock outs and drug expiries. Objective This study primarily assessed the effects of PP on the performance of the pharmacy department (PD) of Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH) Uganda. Methods This was a mixed method cross-sectional study conducted in the outpatient department (OPD) of MRRH, questionnaires were administered to 86 prescribers and 300 patient prescriptions were reviewed. Ethical clearance was granted and informed consent of patients. Data were analysed, presented in the form of graphs, tables. Results The overall prescription fill rate was 60.5%, being higher among dental officers and lower among those who did not adhere to generic prescribing and EML. Medical officers made most prescriptions at 69.3%. Prescriptions with four (47.1%) and six (17.5%) medicines respectively were made by clinical officers. Of the 300 prescriptions, 76% adhered to the Essential Medicines List (EML), 62% used generic name including 87.3% from dental officers and 52.9% by clinical officersThe overall prescription fill rate was 60.5%, being higher among dental officers and lower among those who did not adhere to generic prescribing and EML. Medical officers made most prescriptions at 69.3%. Prescriptions with four (47.1%) and six (17.5%) medicines respectively were made by clinical officers. Of the 300 prescriptions, 76% adhered to the Essential Medicines List (EML), 62% used generic name including 87.3% from dental officers and 52.9% by clinical officers. Conclusion Prescription pattern affected the performance of the PD of MRRH, calling for its continued monitoring to ensure that guidelines are upheld, EML and UCG are availed and utilized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald Manzi Mbabazize
- College of Medicines and Health Sciences, Regional Center of Excellence for Vaccines, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
- Department of Pharmacy, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Vedaste Kagisha
- College of Medicines and Health Sciences, Regional Center of Excellence for Vaccines, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Kato J. Njunwa
- College of Medicines and Health Sciences, Regional Center of Excellence for Vaccines, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Joseph Oloro
- College of Medicines and Health Sciences, Regional Center of Excellence for Vaccines, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
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Anand A, Phillips K, Subramanian A, Lee SI, Wang Z, McCowan R, Agrawal U, Fagbamigbe AF, Nelson-Piercy C, Brocklehurst P, Damase-Michel C, Loane M, Nirantharakumar K, Azcoaga-Lorenzo A. Prevalence of polypharmacy in pregnancy: a systematic review. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e067585. [PMID: 36878655 PMCID: PMC9990613 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-067585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The use of medications among pregnant women has been rising over the past few decades but the reporting of polypharmacy has been sporadic. The objective of this review is to identify literature reporting the prevalence of polypharmacy among pregnant women, the prevalence of multimorbidity in women taking multiple medications in pregnancy and associated effects on maternal and offspring outcomes. DESIGN MEDLINE and Embase were searched from their inception to 14 September 2021 for interventional trials, observational studies and systematic reviews reporting on the prevalence of polypharmacy or the use of multiple medications in pregnancy were included.Data on prevalence of polypharmacy, prevalence of multimorbidity, combinations of medications and pregnancy and offspring outcomes were extracted. A descriptive analysis was performed. RESULTS Fourteen studies met the review criteria. The prevalence of women being prescribed two or more medications during pregnancy ranged from 4.9% (4.3%-5.5%) to 62.4% (61.3%-63.5%), with a median of 22.5%. For the first trimester, prevalence ranged from 4.9% (4.7%-5.14%) to 33.7% (32.2%-35.1%). No study reported on the prevalence of multimorbidity, or associated pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to polypharmacy. CONCLUSION There is a significant burden of polypharmacy among pregnant women. There is a need for evidence on the combinations of medications prescribed in pregnancy, how this specifically affects women with multiple long-term conditions and the associated benefits and harms. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT Our systematic review shows significant burden of polypharmacy in pregnancy but outcomes for women and offspring are unknown. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42021223966.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astha Anand
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Katherine Phillips
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Siang Ing Lee
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Zhaonan Wang
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Utkarsh Agrawal
- Division of Population and Behavioural Sciences, University of Saint Andrews School of Medicine, St. Andrews, UK
| | - Adeniyi Frances Fagbamigbe
- Division of Population and Behavioural Sciences, University of Saint Andrews School of Medicine, St. Andrews, UK
- Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | | | - Peter Brocklehurst
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Maria Loane
- Institute of Nursing and Health Research, University of Ulster, Belfast, UK
| | | | - Amaya Azcoaga-Lorenzo
- Division of Population and Behavioural Sciences, University of Saint Andrews School of Medicine, St. Andrews, UK
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Abu Farha R, Awwad O, Abdurazaq B, Abu Hammour K, Akour A. Evaluation of drug use pattern in adults’ outpatient clinics in a tertiary teaching hospital using WHO core prescribing indicators. JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/jphsr/rmac048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
This study has evaluated the drug use pattern among adults attending the outpatient clinics of the Jordan University Hospital (JUH), by assessing the adherence of prescriptions to the World Health Organization (WHO) core prescribing indicators.
Methods
This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted during the period from October 2011 to January 2022 at JUH. Several prescriptions from 10 different adult outpatient clinics were reviewed to evaluate hospital adherence to the five WHO core prescribing indicators.
Key findings
To assess the WHO core prescribing indicators, data for 2451 prescriptions were reviewed. Around one-third of the patients (33.4%) were receiving polypharmacy (five medications or more). Results revealed that two core prescribing indicators were not following the standard values specified by the WHO; the average number of drugs prescribed per encounter (3.8 medications/prescription), and the percentage of drugs from the essential drug list (EDL) (54.1%). Endocrine clinics showed the highest average of drugs (6.3) per prescription and the highest percentage of prescriptions with injectable medicines (51.7%). On the other hand, ophthalmology clinics showed the highest percentage of prescriptions with antibiotics (29.9%) and the lowest percentage of drugs prescribed from the EDL at JUH (14.1%). Evaluating factors affecting the number of prescribed medications per encounter revealed that elderly patients (> 60 years), being female, referring to the endocrine clinic, and having insurance have a higher average number of medications per encounter compared with others (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
The proper prescribing practices in a sizable tertiary hospital in Amman, Jordan, are clarified by this study. The percentage of medications from EDL and the typical number of drugs/encounters did not comply with WHO requirements. The study findings should guide the Jordanian health policymakers in designing and implementing strategies to limit irrational prescribing practices and raise awareness of and ensure physician adherence to the national EDL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana Abu Farha
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University , Amman , Jordan
| | - Oriana Awwad
- Department Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan , Amman , Jordan
| | - Bashar Abdurazaq
- Department Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan , Amman , Jordan
| | - Khawla Abu Hammour
- Department Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan , Amman , Jordan
| | - Amal Akour
- Department Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan , Amman , Jordan
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University , Al Ain , United Arab Emirates
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Abdi SAH, Ali A, Fatma Sayed S, Ali A, Abadi SSH, Tahir A, Afzal MA, Rashid H, Aly OM, Nagarajan S. Potential of paracetamol for reproductive disruption: Molecular interaction, dynamics and MM-PBSA based In-silico assessment. Toxicol Mech Methods 2022:1-15. [PMID: 36253940 DOI: 10.1080/15376516.2022.2137872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Paracetamol is generally recommended for pain and fever. However, as per experimental and epidemiological data, widespread and irrational or long-term use of paracetamol may be harmful to human endocrine homeostasis, especially during pregnancy. Some researchers suggest that prenatal exposure to paracetamol might alter foetal development and also enhance the risk of reproductive disorders. An imbalance in the levels of these hormones may play a significant role in the emergence of various diseases, including infertility. Therefore, in this study, the interaction mechanism of paracetamol with reproductive hormone receptors was investigated by molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) for assessing paracetamol's potency to disrupt reproductive hormones. The results indicate that paracetamol has the ability to interact with reproductive hormone receptors (estrogen 1XP9; 1QKM with binding energy of -5.61 kcal/mol; -5.77 kcal/mol; androgen 5CJ6 -5.63 kcal/mol; and progesterone 4OAR-5.60 kcal/mol) by hydrogen bonds as well as hydrophobic and van der Waals interactions to maintain its stability. In addition, the results of the MD simulations and MM-PBSA confirm that paracetamol and reproductive receptor complexes are stable. This research provides a molecular and atomic level understanding of how paracetamols disrupt reproductive hormone synthesis. The root mean square deviation (RMSD), root mean square fluctuation (RMSF), Radius of Gyration and hydrogen bonding exhibited that paracetamol mimic at various attribute to bisphenol and native ligand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayed Aliul Hasan Abdi
- Faculty of Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, Al Baha University, Al Baha 1988, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abuzer Ali
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shabihul Fatma Sayed
- Department of Nursing, University College Farasan Campus, Jazan University, Jazan 54943, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amena Ali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Abu Tahir
- Hakikullah Chaudhary College of Pharmacy, Gharighat, Gonda, U.P. - 271312, India
| | - Mohammad Amir Afzal
- Basic Biomedical sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota, USA
| | - Hina Rashid
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of pharmacy, Jazan university, KSA
| | - Omar M Aly
- Medicinal Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Egypt
| | - Sumathi Nagarajan
- Department of Nursing, University College Farasan Campus, Jazan University, Jazan 54943, Saudi Arabia
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Galappatthy P, Ranasinghe P, Liyanage CK, Wijayabandara MS, Mythily S, Jayakody RL. WHO/INRUD Core drug use indicators and commonly prescribed medicines: a National Survey from Sri Lanka. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 2021; 22:67. [PMID: 34711271 PMCID: PMC8555184 DOI: 10.1186/s40360-021-00535-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Identification of internationally comparable indicators of medicines use are important for a country to implement strategies and regulations to improve usage of medicines. Sri Lanka established a new National Medicines Regulatory Authority in 2015 and this survey evaluated the medication use indicators in Sri Lanka, according to the International Network on Rational Use of Drugs (INRUD), prior to its implementation. Methods This descriptive-cross-sectional study was conducted in 80 pharmacies, representing all 25 districts of the country. Three pharmacy categories were included; privately owned pharmacies, ‘Rajya Osusala’ pharmacies operated by the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC) of Sri Lanka and SPC Franchisee pharmacy outlets. Selection of pharmacies from respective districts were done proportionate to estimated population. Data were collected to identify WHO/INRUD core drug use indicators and the commonly prescribed medicines. Results Total of 2328 prescriptions were included (‘Rajya Osusala 559; SPC Franchise 711; private pharmacies 1058). Altogether 7,255 medicines were prescribed, and the 3 most commonly prescribed medicines were atorvastatin, losartan and metformin. Average number of medicines per encounter was 3.1±1.9 (Median: 3; range 1-12) Highest average number of medicines per encounter was reported in prescriptions received at ‘Rajya Osusala’ pharmacies (3.6±2.2), significantly higher than in other categories of pharmacies (p<0.001). Percentage of medicines prescribed by generic name was only 35.5%, highest at the ‘Rajya Osusala’ pharmacies (40.6%), significantly higher than other categories of pharmacies. The overall percentage of medicines prescribed from essential medicine list (EML) was 68.8%, without any significant variation between different categories of pharmacies. The percentage of medicines actually dispensed and accurately labelled were 92.4 and 98.5% respectively. Conclusions The average number of medicines per encounter was higher than the WHO recommended value but the usage of antibiotic and injectable drugs were within recommended standards. Generic prescribing, was very much lower. The EML prescribing, labelling and percentage dispensed medicines fared much better although lower than the WHO recommended 100% compliance. This island wide study has provided national wide data before the implementation of key changes in regulation of medicines in Sri Lanka and a repeat survey will be useful to identify impact of the new legislations. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40360-021-00535-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Galappatthy
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, No 25, Kynsey Road, Colombo, 08, Sri Lanka
| | - P Ranasinghe
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, No 25, Kynsey Road, Colombo, 08, Sri Lanka.
| | - C K Liyanage
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, No 25, Kynsey Road, Colombo, 08, Sri Lanka
| | - M S Wijayabandara
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, No 25, Kynsey Road, Colombo, 08, Sri Lanka
| | - S Mythily
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, No 25, Kynsey Road, Colombo, 08, Sri Lanka
| | - R L Jayakody
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, No 25, Kynsey Road, Colombo, 08, Sri Lanka
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