Drug Prescription Pattern in a Primary Care Clinic, Southwest, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Rational drug use is of the utmost importance in a region such as West Africa, where the prevalence of drug resistance is increasing due to inappropriate use of medications. 
 Objective: This study aimed to assess the pattern of prescription drug use at the General Outpatient Clinic of the University College Hospital, Ibadan. This study also assessed the knowledge and attitude toward rational drug use among prescribing physicians in the Clinic. 
 Design: The study was a retrospective cross-sectional review of patients' records over three years. The medical records were selected by systematic random sampling and subjected to the WHO core drug use indicators. Prescribers at the study site had their knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of rational drug use assessed with a self-administered questionnaire. 
 Results: A total of 795 medical records were analyzed for drug use indicators. The mean number of drugs per encounter was 2.64 ±1.23. The percentage of encounters in which an antibiotic was prescribed was 20.4%, while 71.6% of all drugs prescribed were in the generic form. From the KAP survey, 64% of physicians routinely prescribed both generic and brand names, and 68% admitted they needed further education on rational drug use. 
 Conclusion: Using the WHO core drug use indicators, this study identified some degree of polypharmacy and poor adherence to the generic prescription of drugs. Continuing Medical Education for health workers is encouraged to stem the irrational prescription of medications in the African sub-region. 
 Keywords: Prescription Drugs Use, Rational Use of Medicines, Physician's knowledge, Nigeria