Drug-related problems and associated factors in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The Prevalence and Impact of Clinical Pharmacists' Intervention on Drug-Related Problems in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health issue of growing concern. According to projections from the Worldwide Health Observatory, it is currently one of the rapidly increasing contributors to global mortality. The prevalence of CKD and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is increasing globally. The objective was to evaluate the prevalence and impact of clinical pharmacist intervention in resolving drug-related problems (DRPs) among patients with CKD. A single-arm, pre- and post-intervention study design was used, which was assessed to be suitable in testing for the feasibility of the implementation of an intervention in clinical practice. With this study pre- and post-intervention variables of interest were measured before and after an intervention in the same patients to evaluate the impact of clinical pharmacists on ambulatory patients with CKD. The findings of this study indicate a high prevalence of DRPs, with every patient experiencing at least one DRP. The mean DRP per patient was found to be 2.903 with STD ± 1.148. The study assessed the considerable influence of clinical pharmacist intervention on DRPs. The predominant form of DRP was drug interaction 167 (45.1%) which was reduced to 76 (20.5%) after intervention carried out by clinical pharmacists statistically significant (p = 0.032). Another common DRP was found to be poor compliance issues in pre-interventions (n = 144 (38.9%)) and was reduced to 80 (21.6%) at post-intervention significantly (p = 0.042). Untreated indications were noticed in 137 cases (37.0%), after pharmacist intervention, this number was significantly reduced to 27 cases (7.3%), with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.004). However, it is noteworthy that medication compliance among patients in our study was unsatisfactory and fell below expectations. As a clinical pharmacist played an important role in reducing the prevalence of poor medication adherence to lower levels in these CKD outpatients. This research emphasizes the vital role of clinical pharmacists in mitigating DRPs among CKD patients, resulting in improved medication management and potentially better health outcomes.

Antimicrobial Use-Related Problems Among Hospitalized Pediatric Patients: A Prospective Observational Study

Introduction

Antimicrobials are among the most commonly misused medications, leading to antimicrobial resistance, and therefore demand more attention. There are limited studies documenting "antimicrobial use-related problems" in developing countries, especially in pediatric patients.

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of antimicrobial use-related problems and risk factors among hospitalized pediatric patients.

Materials and Methods

A hospital-based prospective observational study was conducted in Ayder comprehensive specialized hospital (ACSH) in the Tigray region, Ethiopia. The participants of the study were pediatric patients aged ≤15 years who were admitted with a diagnosis of infectious disease between September 2019 and November 2019.

Results

A total of 232 pediatric patients were included in the study. Of these, 59.5% of the patients were male and the mean age (SD) of the patients was 5.8 (5.2) years. Of the 232 patients surveyed, a total of 177 antimicrobial use-related problems were identified. One or more antimicrobial use-related problems have occurred in more than half of the patients (53.9%). The commonest antimicrobial use problems were unnecessary antimicrobial therapy (22.8%) followed by need additional antimicrobial therapy (16.4%). In a multivariate logistic regression model, patients with comorbidities (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.84, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04-3.27) and hospital stays exceeding one week (AOR=1.88, 95% CI: 1.08-3.26) were predictors of antimicrobial use-related problems.

Conclusion

Antimicrobial use-related problems were found in a significant proportion of pediatric patients. Addressing these issues necessitates collaborative efforts, emphasizing targeted education, strengthened antimicrobial stewardship, ensuring responsible antimicrobial use and enhancing pediatric care.

Drug-related problems and associated factors among patients with kidney dysfunction at a tertiary hospital in southwestern Uganda: a prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Kidney dysfunction is a common, progressive condition that is increasingly becoming a global public health issue. Because the kidneys are the major route for drug excretion, impaired renal function can change the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs that are renally excreted. Additionally, patients with kidney dysfunction often have co-morbidities and the associated use of multiple medications which increases the risk of drug-related problem (DRP) occurrence. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, types, and factors associated with DRPs in patients with kidney dysfunction.

METHOD

We conducted a prospective observational study over 3 months among hospitalized patients diagnosed with acute kidney injury or chronic kidney disease who were hospitalized in the medical ward, and patients attending the renal outpatient clinic at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital. A total of 183 participants were enrolled through the use of a consecutive sampling technique. DRPs were classified according to the PCNE classification version 9.1. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS version 25.

RESULTS

A total of 174 patients with kidney dysfunction were included in the study with a mean ± SD age of 50.34 ± 18.13 years. A total of 219 DRPs were incurred by 138 (79.3%) study participants. The most common DRPs were 'Untreated symptoms or indication' (35.6%) followed by 'adverse event (possibly) occurring' (28.3%), and 'effect of drug treatment not optimal' (23.3%). Antimicrobials were the most involved drugs in suboptimal drug treatment (31.3%) and unnecessary drug treatment (32.1%). The study showed that length of hospital stay ≥ 5 days (AOR = 6.39, 95% CI: 1.75-23.27; p-value = 0.005) significantly increased the risk of DRP occurrence.

CONCLUSION

The current results, in agreement with previous literature, showed a high burden of DRPs among patients with kidney dysfunction. Antimicrobials were the most involved drugs in suboptimal as well as in unnecessary drug treatment. Longer hospital stay significantly increased the risk of DRPs. The high prevalence of DRPs in patients with kidney dysfunction and the potential impact on antimicrobial resistance underscores the importance of regular medication reviews and close monitoring of patients with renal dysfunction.

Medication Related-Problems and Associated Factors Among Patients with Hypertension at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Ethiopia: A Prospective Interventional Study

Background

Hypertension affects more than 1.4 billion people worldwide currently, with that number anticipated to climb to 1.6 billion by 2025 with high mortality and morbidity effects. Medication related problems in cardiovascular disease patients, especially among hypertension patients were found to be high and a critical problem which is associated with high mortality, complication, prolonged hospital stay, compromised quality of life and increase health care cost.

Objective

To determine medication related problems and its predictors among hypertension patients on chronic follow-up at Jimma Medical Center.

Methods

A prospective interventional study was conducted among hypertension patients from November 28, 2021 to June 30, 2022 at Jimma Medical Center. Medication related problems were classified and identified based on Pharmaceutical care network Europe drug classification tool version 9.0. Interventions were done through discussion with individual prescriber and patients. Consecutive sampling technique was used. Binary Logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of medication related problems. Variables having P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

Among 384 hypertension patients included in the study, 219 (57.1%) were male. The mean (SD) age was 49.06+17.79. Two thirds of study participants had at least one medication related problem. A total of 483 MRPs were identified among 231 (60.15%) patients. Treatment effectiveness related problem (55.48%) was the most common observed medication related problems. Alcoholism (AOR; 3.15, 95% CI [1.46-7.23]), stage II hypertension (AOR=2.77, 95% CI= [3.53-4.66]); comorbidity (AOR=2.88, 95% CI= [1.47-5.66]) and polypharmacy (AOR=3.07, 95% CI= [1.57-5.99]) were the independent predictors of medication related problems.

Conclusion

The prevalence of medication related problems was high among hypertensive patients. Alcoholism, stage II hypertension, comorbidity and poly-pharmacy were the predictors of medication related problems. Therefore, to overcome the problems, clinical pharmacists, physicians and other health care professionals have to work in collaboration.

Patterns of drug-related problems and the services provided to optimize drug therapy in the community pharmacy setting

Introduction

Drug-related problems (DRPs) are events or circumstances involving drug therapy that actually or potentially interferes with desired health outcomes.

Objectives

To assess community pharmacists' knowledge and practice regarding DRP-reduction services, as well as the barriers and factors associated with decreased provision of these services.

Methods

This cross-sectional study utilized a validated questionnaire to assess pharmacists' knowledge, practice, and barriers to the provision of DRP-reduction services in the community pharmacy setting. Binary regression model was used to assess the variables associated with the practice of DRP-reduction services.

Results

A total of 412 pharmacists participated in the study. The pharmacists demonstrated strong knowledge but inadequate practice of DRP-reduction services. The most reported DRPs were inappropriate combination of drugs, or drugs and herbal medications, or drugs and dietary supplements (52.4%), patients' inability to understand instructions properly (46.1%), inappropriate drug according to guidelines (43.7%), and too high dose (40.3%). The most common barriers to these services were increased workload (60.5%), limited time (53.2%), and lack of good communication skills (49.8%). The presence of a counselling area in the pharmacy increased the practice of DRP-reduction services (OR: 3.532, 95%Cl: 2.010-5.590, P < 0.001), while increased weekly working hours (OR: 0.966, 95%Cl: 0.947-0.986), P < 0.01) and serving < 10 patients daily (OR = 0.208, 95%Cl: 0.072-0.601, P < 0.01) decreased it.

Conclusions

Community pharmacists' practice of DRP-reduction services showed a scope for improvement. Future pharmaceutical care initiatives should increase the number of personnel working in the pharmacy and provide them with opportunities for continued education and training in order to improve the provision of DRP services and optimize patients' outcomes.

The impact of medication belief on adherence to infliximab in patients with Crohn's disease

Objective: Crohn's disease (CD) is an incurable chronic disease that requires long-term treatment. As an anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agent, Infliximab (IFX) is widely used in the treatment of Crohn's disease, while the adherence is not high. The purpose of this study was to investigate the adherence to IFX among CD patients in China and evaluate the association between medication belief and IFX adherence. Methods: Demographic data, clinical information and patients' medication beliefs were collected using an online questionnaire and reviewing electronic medical records (EMRs). The Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ)-specific was used to assess medication beliefs which contains the BMQ-specific concern score and the BMQ-specific necessity score. An evaluation of adherence factors was conducted using univariate and multidimensional logistic regression analyses. Results: In all, 166 CD patients responded the online questionnaire among which 77 (46.39%) patients had high adherence. The BMQ-specific concern score in patients in low adherence was 30.00 and in high adherence patients was 27.50, and patients with lower BMQ-specific concern score had higher adherence (p = 0.013). The multiple regression analysis showed that the BMQ-specific concern score (OR = 0.940, 95% CI: 0.888-0.996) significantly affected the IFX adherence in CD patients. Otherwise, gender, marital status, time spent on the way (including the waiting time in infusion center) and accommodation to the center were also the influencing factors of adherence. Conclusion: The IFX adherence to CD in China was not high. Medicine concerns may be predictive factor of adherence. Education, the duration of IFX therapy and experience of adverse effects were not significantly associated with IFX adherence. By enhancing knowledge and relieving medicine concerns, we may increase patients' adherence to IFX.

Potential Risk Factors of Drug-Related Problems in Hospital-Based Mental Health Units: A Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION

Reducing the occurrence of drug-related problems is a global health concern. In mental health hospitals, drug-related problems are common, leading to patient harm, and therefore understanding their potential risk factors is key for guiding future interventions designed to minimise their frequency.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this systematic review was to explore the potential risk factors of drug-related problems in mental health inpatient units.

METHODS

Six databases were searched between 2000 and 2021 to identify studies that investigated the potential risk factors of drug-related problems in adults hospitalised in mental health inpatient units. Data extraction was performed by two authors independently and Allan and Barker's criteria were used for study quality assessment. Studies were categorised based on drug-related problem types and potential risk factors were stratified as patient, medication, and hospital related.

RESULTS

A total of 22 studies were included. Studies mostly originated in Europe (n = 19/22, 86.4%), and used a multivariable logistic regression to identify potential risk factors (n = 13, 59%). Frequently investigated factors were patient age (n = 14/22), sex (n = 14/22) and the number of prescribed medications (n = 14/22). Of these, increasing the number of prescribed medications was the only factor consistently reported to be significantly associated with the occurrence of most types of drug-related problems (n = 11/14).

CONCLUSIONS

A variety of patient, medication and hospital-related potential risk factors of drug-related problems in mental health inpatient units were identified. These factors could guide the development of interventions to reduce drug-related problems such as pharmaceutical screening tools to identify high-risk patients for timely interventions. Future studies could test a wider range of possible factors associated with drug-related problems using standardised approaches.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO: CRD42021279946.

Appropriateness of antimicrobial selection for treatment of pneumonia in selected public hospitals of Eastern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

Objective

Inappropriate antimicrobial use leads to drug resistance and poor clinical outcomes. Considering the lack of data regarding the drug use patterns in the treatment of pneumonia in selected study areas, the authors felt compelled to assess the appropriateness of antimicrobial usage in the treatment of pneumonia at Hiwot Fana Specialized Comprehensive University Hospital and Jugal Hospital from May 1 to 31, 2021.

Methods

A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted using the medical cards of 693 admitted patients with pneumonia. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify the factors associated with an initial inappropriate antibiotic use. A p value of 0.05 was used to determine the statistical significance of the association using an adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval.

Results

Of the total participants, 116 (16.74%, 95% confidence interval: 14.1-19.6) of them received an initial inappropriate antimicrobial regimen. Ceftriaxone plus azithromycin was the most prescribed antimicrobial agent. Patients who were younger than 5 years (adjusted odds ratio = 1.71; 95% confidence interval: 1.00-2.94), between 6 and 14 years (adjusted odds ratio = 3.14; 95% confidence interval: 1.64-6.00), and older than 65 years (adjusted odds ratio = 2.97; 95% confidence interval: 1.07-2.66), with comorbid conditions (adjusted odds ratio = 1.74; 95% confidence interval: 1.10-2.72) and prescribed by medical interns (adjusted odds ratio = 1.80; 95% confidence interval: 1.14-2.84) were associated with an initial inappropriate antimicrobial use.

Conclusion

Around one out of every six patients had received initial inappropriate treatments. Adherence to the recommendation of guidelines and attention to extreme-aged groups and comorbidity may improve antimicrobial use.

Prevalence and associated factors of medication-related problems among epileptic patients at ambulatory clinic of Mettu Karl Comprehensive Specialized Hospital: a cross-sectional study

Background

Despite appropriate treatment of epilepsy, the treatment outcome is poor in developing country. Therefore, the study was aimed to identify the magnitude and associated factors of epileptic patients at ambulatory clinic of south western Ethiopian hospital.

Methods

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on epileptic patients who had follow-up at Mettu Karl Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (MKCSH). Data collection was done through patient interview and medical charts review. The pharmaceutical care network Europe foundation classification system was used to assess the drug therapy problem and Naranjo algorithm of adverse drug reaction was employed to identify the probability of adverse drug reaction. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 23 after data were entered by Epidemiological Information (Epi Info) 7.2.1. The multivariable logistic regressions were utilized and P < 0.05 was used to declare association.

Results

Over the study period, more than half of the participants 172(57.7%) were males. The magnitude of drug-related problems was found to be 164(55.0%). Among epileptic patients about 323 drug-related problems (DRPs) were identified on average, 1.084 drug-related problems (DRPs) per patient. The widely occurred types of drug-related problems were needs additional drug therapy 72(22.29%), dose too low 52(16.09%) and dose to high which accounts 50(15.48%). Regarding the predictors of drug-related problems, being a female (AOR = 3.57, 95% CI:1.85–6.88, P ≤ 0.001), having frequent seizures (AOR = 2.47, 95% CI%:1.33–4.61, P = 0.004) and the presence of poly-pharmacy (AOR = 3.57, 95% CI: 1.49–8.5, P = 0.004) were predictors of drug-related problems.

Conclusion

More than half of the patients had a drug therapy problem. Number of medications taken by the patients, gender and the seizure frequency had a significant association with occurrence of drug therapy problems (DTPs). Therefore, the pharmaceutical care in general and drug information services in particular should be established to hinder any undesirable medication effects in our study area.

Unintended medication discrepancies and associated factors upon patient admission to the internal medicine wards: identified through medication reconciliation

Background

Medication reconciliation (MedRec) is a widely accepted tool for the identification and resolution of unintended medication discrepancies (UMD).

Objective

This study aimed at assessing the magnitude and associated factors of UMD identified through medication reconciliation upon patient admission to the internal medicine wards.

Methods

Prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the internal medicine wards of Felege Hiwot and Tibebe Ghion comprehensive specialized hospitals in Bahir Dar city, Northwest Ethiopia, from May 01 to July 30, 2021. Data were collected by using a data abstraction format prepared based on standard MedRec tools and previous studies on medication discrepancy. Pharmacists-led MedRec was made by following the WHO High5s “retroactive medication reconciliation model”. SPSS® (IBM Corporation) version 25.0 was used to analyze the data with descriptive and inferential statistics. A binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with UMD. A statistical significance was declared at a p-value < 0.05.

Results

Among 635 adult patients, 248 (39.1%) of them had at least one UMD. The most frequent types of UMDs were omission (41.75%) and wrong dose (21.9%). The majority (75.3%) of pharmacists’ interventions were accepted. Polypharmacy at admission (p-value < 0.001), age ≥ 65 (p-value = 0.001), a unit increase on the number of comorbidities (p-value = 0.008) and information sources used for MedRec (p-value < 0.001), and medium (p-value = 0.019) and low adherence (p-value < 0.001) were significantly associated with UMD.

Conclusion

The magnitude of UMD upon patient admission to the internal medicine wards was considerably high. Omission and the wrong dose of medication were common. Older age, polypharmacy, low and medium adherence, and an increase in the number of comorbidities and information sources used for MedRec are significantly associated with UMDs. Pharmacists' interventions were mostly acceptable. Thus, the implementation of pharmacists-led MedRec in the two hospitals is indispensable for patient safety.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-08628-5.

Drug-related problems and its predictors among hospitalized heart failure patients at Jimma Medical Center, South West Ethiopia: prospective interventional study

Background

Drug-related problems are associated with high mortality, complications, prolonged hospital stay, compromised quality of life, and increased healthcare costs. This problem is high in patients hospitalized with chronic conditions such as heart failure. However, there are limited studies conducted on this area, particularly in Ethiopia.

Objective

To evaluate drug-related problems, their predictors, and clinical pharmacist intervention among hospitalized heart failure patients at Jimma Medical Center, Ethiopia.

Methods and participants

A prospective interventional study was conducted among hospitalized heart failure patients from September 30, 2020, to May 28, 2021, at Jimma Medical Center. Drug-related problems were sorted based on the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe drug classification tool version 9.0. Patient's specific data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using statistical software package version 23.0. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of drug-related problems occurrence and statistical significance was considered at a p value < 0.05.

Results

A total of 237 heart failure patients were included in this study. The mean (SD) age was 49.06 + 17.79. About two-thirds (66.2%) of study patients had at least one drug-related problem during their hospital stay. A total of 283 drug-related problems were identified among 157 patients. Treatment effectiveness-related problem (55.48%) was the most common observed drug-related problem. The independent predictors of drug-related problems were khat chewing [AOR = 3.25, 95% CI = (1.46–7.23)], hospital stay > 18 days [AOR = 3.77, 95% CI = (1.93–7.37)]; presence of comorbid condition [AOR = 2.59, 95% CI = (1.35–4.96)] and polypharmacy [AOR = 2.94, 95% CI = (1.54–5.61)].

Conclusion

The prevalence of drug-related problems was high among hospitalized heart failure patients in the study area. Chewing khat, prolonged hospital stay, comorbidity, and polypharmacy were the predictors of drug-related problems. Hence, to overcome these problems, clinical pharmacists, physicians, and other health professionals have to work in collaboration.

Drug‐related problems among hospitalized hypertensive and heart failure patients and physician acceptance of pharmacists' interventions at a teaching hospital in Ghana

Background

Hypertensive and heart failure patients frequently require multiple drug therapy which may be associated with drug‐related problems (DRPs).

Aim

To determine the frequency, types, and predictors of DRPs, and acceptance of pharmacists' interventions among hospitalized hypertensive and heart failure patients.

Method

It was a prospective cross‐sectional study at the internal medicine department wards of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) between January and June 2019 using a validated form (the pharmaceutical care form used by clinical pharmacists at the medical department). DRPs were classified based on the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe (PCNE) Classification scheme for DRPs V8.02. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis.

Results

A total of 247 DRPs were identified in 134 patients. The mean number of DRPs was 1.84 (SD: 1.039) per patient. Most DRPs occurred during the prescribing process (40.5%; n(DRPs) = 100), and the highest prescribing problem was untreated indication (11.7%; n = 29). Other frequent DRPs were medication counseling need (25.1%; n = 62), administration errors 10.1%(n = 25), drug interaction (10.5%; n = 26), and “no” or inappropriate monitoring (10.5%; n = 26). The number of drugs received significantly predicted the number of DRPs (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 9.85; 95% CI: 2.04–47.50; p < 0.001). Clinical variables were significant predictors of number of DRPs (diabetic status: AOR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.18–0.98, p < 0.05; statin use: AOR: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.14–0.81, p < 0.05; antiplatelet use: AOR: 5.95, 95% CI: 2.03–17.48, p < 0.01). Average acceptance of interventions by physicians was 71.6% (SD: 11.7). Most (70.6%; n = 48) accepted interventions were implemented by physicians (resolved).

Conclusion

DRPs frequently occur, with most problems identified in the prescribing process. Medication counseling was frequently needed. Patients' number of drugs and clinical factors predicted the occurrence of DRPs. Physicians accepted and implemented most interventions. Our findings suggest that clinical pharmacists have an important role in cardiovascular patient care, but this study should be replicated in other hospitals in Ghana to corroborate these findings.

Clinical Pharmacist Intervention on Drug-Related Problems among Elderly Patients Admitted to Medical Wards of Northwest Ethiopia Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals: A Multicenter Prospective, Observational Study

Background: Drug therapy in the elderly needs an emphasis on age-related changes in drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics profile. Hospitalized elderly patients are at risk of more than one disease and polypharmacy associated with these; they are at risk of drug-related problems. This study aimed to assess the role of clinical pharmacy on identifying and resolution of drug-related problems among elderly patients admitted to medical ward of Northwest Ethiopia comprehensive specialized hospitals. Methods: A multicenter prospective observational study was conducted. A systematic sampling technique was used. The identified drug-related problem was recorded and classified using Cipolle, and adverse drug reaction was assessed using Naranjo algorithm of adverse drug reaction probability scale, and Medscape was used for drug-drug interaction. Data were analyzed by using STATA software version 14.1. Logistic regression was used, and results were reported as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% Confidence intervals with $P\text{value}<0.05$ statistically significant. Result: A total of 389 study participants were included in the study. About 266 (68.4%) of the participants had at least a single drug-related problem. About 503 drug-related problems were identified with a mean of 1.32 (CI: 1.27-1.36) drug-related problem per patient. The three-leading categories of drug-related problems were dose too high 108 (21.5%), nonadherence 105 (20.9%), and adverse drug reaction 96 (19.1%). Alcohol use ( $\text{AOR}=2.2$ , 95CI%: 1.23-3.94), source of the drug ( $\text{AOR}=2.85$ , 95CI%: 1.63-4.98), length of hospitalization ( $\text{AOR}=2.32$ , 95CI%: 1.37-3.95), number of comorbidities ( $\text{AOR}=1.48$ , 95CI%: 1.09-1.99), and polypharmacy ( $\text{AOR}=3.06$ , 95CI%: 1.72-5.46) were important risk factors for drug-related problems. From the intervention provided, 84.7% were accepted by prescribers. Among the total drug-related problems 67.4% of the problem was totally solved. Conclusion: This study revealed that DRPs were high among elderly patients admitted to medical ward of Northwest Ethiopia. Comorbidity, length of hospitalization, ploy-pharmacy, payer, and alcohol drinker were more likely to developed drug-related problems. Treatment optimizations were also done by clinical pharmacists and interventions were well accepted by prescribers.

Influence of Jamaican Cultural and Religious Beliefs on Adherence to Pharmacotherapy for Non-Communicable Diseases: A Pharmacovigilance Perspective

Worldwide, socio-cultural determinants have been shown to influence the beliefs of patients about their health and decision making for treatment. This is consistent with the evidence that cultural and religious beliefs affect illness conceptualization and behaviors of Jamaican patients living with non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Despite these known socio-cultural influences, an acknowledgment of relevance of adherence to pharmacotherapy has been grossly understudied. Furthermore, while poor adherence to pharmacotherapy, especially in the management of patients living with non-communicable diseases is associated with adverse drug reactions; reporting of such information in the pharmacovigilance process is inadequate. We review previous studies on the cultural and religious beliefs within the Jamaican context that may contribute to poor adherence to pharmacotherapy, especially among those patients living with non-communicable diseases. We support the ongoing perspective that current pharmacovigilance processes need retooling with the inclusion of socio-cultural influences on adherence to pharmacotherapy.

Effects of home drug delivery on drug-related problems: preliminary evidence for improved patient outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand

Background

Drug-related problems cause severe disabilities, premature deaths, and unnecessary costs. Telepharmacy offer easier access to needed medications, preventing DRPs. Adoption has been slow, and it is unclear what aspects of telepharmacy are most important. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted health services, forcing the rapid adoption of telepharmacy. In Phayao, Thailand, a program was implemented for home delivery of drugs for patients with chronic disease.

Objectives

This study aimed to explore the prevalence and factors associated with DRPs of patients with chronic disease who received home drug-delivery services.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was undertaken in Phayao Province located in North Thailand. Simple random sampling was used to select patients from 6 public hospitals between July and August 2020. Logistic regression was used to analyze multivariate factors that might be related to DRPs.

Results

A total of 246 participants reported at least 1 DRP (49.30%). Most participants were female (58.32%) with elementary education (60.72%). Their mean age was 63.69 (SD = 12.97) years. The 5 most common DRPs were changes of drug packaging or drug brands (18.84%), leftover medications of more than 2 weeks (18.44%), nonadherence (17.43%), having conditions or diseases requiring additional medications (6.81%), and adverse drug reactions (5.21%). Univariate analysis identified number of chronic conditions, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, chronic kidney disease, education level, and drug-delivery channel as predictors of DRPs. In multivariate analysis, predictors of DRPs were the number of drugs used per day (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.11 [95% CI 1.03-1.19], P = 0.004) and dyslipidemia (aOR 1.83 [95% CI 1.18-2.84], P = 0.007). Nonadherence was associated with leftover medicines (aOR 4.22 [95% CI 2.44-7.28], P < 0.001)

Conclusion

The present results indicate that home delivery caused no increase and may have caused a decrease in DRPs, and patients were highly satisfied. These promising results suggest that home delivery should be continued and further investigated even as the COVID-19–induced emergency subsides.

Non-Adherence to Antiepileptic Drugs and Associated Factors among Epileptic Patients at Ambulatory Clinic of Southwestern Ethiopian Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Non-adherence to anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) was the most common drug therapy issue that hampered epileptic patients' treatment success. As a result, the barriers to patients adhering to their treatment should be investigated in depth in order to prevent poor treatment outcomes.

METHODS

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on epileptic patients who had followed up at Mettu Karl Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (MKCSH). Data collection was done through patient interview and medical charts review. Hill-Bone Compliance to High Blood Pressure Therapy Scale was used to measure medication adherence. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 after data were entered by Epi Info7.2.1. The multivariable logistic regressions were utilized and P < 0.05 was used to declare association.

RESULTS

Over the study period, more than half of the participants 172 (57.7%) were males, and the median age of participants was 29 years. The magnitude of non-adherence to ant-epileptic drugs (AEDs) was 120 (40.27%). The results of multivariable analysis revealed that patients who had experienced the medication side effects, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.199; 95% CI: 1.21, 4.00, P = 0.010, a poly-pharmacy, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 5.166; 95% CI: 2.63, 10.14, P = <0.001 and the presence of a co-morbidity, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) =3.70; 95% CI: 2.058, 6.65, P = <0.001 were the predictors of medication non-adherence.

CONCLUSION

The magnitude of non-adherences to AEDs was found to be high. Phenobarbitone was the most prescribed AEDs. The number of medications taken by the patients, the presence of co-morbidity and the occurrence of medication side effects had a significant association with non-adherence to AEDs. Therefore, the pharmaceutical care in general and drug information services in particular should be established to enhance medication adherence in our study area.