Assessment of Sources of Drug Information Use Among Physicians for Prescribing Medications

Abstract

Introduction: Irrational drug usage is a serious issue around the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than half of pharmaceuticals are prescribed, administered, or sold incorrectly, and a high percentage of patients do not take their medications properly. Anecdotal evidence from community pharmacies within the study site showed an alarming rate of prescribing errors. Pharmacists can influence prescribing physicians' behaviour by providing appropriate drug information. This study aims to examine the most common sources of drug information among physicians in Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria and its influence on physician prescription decisions. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among physicians in two tiers of facilities, secondary and tertiary hospitals. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to physicians working at both public and private hospitals. Data were analysed using frequencies and percentages, while inferences were made using chi-square at p-value ≤0.005 and cross-tabulation. Results: We retrieved 93 physicians. About 60% of respondents were within the age of 20 to 30 years and had more than 5 years' experience. Physicians' preference for drug information sources were consulting drug monographs 66%, refer to medical peers 68% and ask pharmacists 39%. In secondary and tertiary hospitals respectively 47% and 53% of respondents selected official monographs as their source of drug information, while 43% and 57% considered pharmacists for advice. Dosing regimens and safety concerns were the two primary factors driving the demand for drug information, whereas pharmaceutical forms received less attention. Internet was the most preferred choice when drug safety is a concern. Conclusion: Pharmacists were merely considered as drug information providers as physicians preferred to seek drug information from physician colleagues, monographs, and the internet. Endorsement of the valuable role of pharmacists to physicians as drug information providers is essential. This could be through better communication with physicians and conducting awareness meetings and workshops.