Rational use of drugs in hypertensive outpatients of public hospitals in Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract

Appropriate drug utilization has a huge contribution to global reduction in morbidity and mortality with its consequent medical, social and economic benefits. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rational use of antihypertensive drugs in public healthcare facilities in Kano, Nigeria and to administer intervention where necessary. The study was a cross sectional prospective survey involving 600 patients from six public healthcare facilities (100 from each) selected by multistage sampling technique. Using a modified extraction form, data were collected, compiled, audited and analyzed according to the WHO/INRUD Rational Drugs Use indicators. Educational intervention was administered in the areas that needed intervention and the impact measured. A total of 3,044 individual drugs were prescribed for 1,176 patient’s encounters, giving an average of 2.6, and the range of drugs per encounter varied from 1 to 5. The average number of drugs per prescription does not significantly vary after intervention (p < 0.275). Although there was an increased in the percentages of drugs prescribed by generic after intervention (from 65.6% to 70.6%), it was not statistically significant (p = 0.081). All drugs were prescribed from EML/STGs and prescription by generic was high. Average consultation time significantly increase from 5.95 to 6.09 minutes (p = 0.045). Additionally an insignificant increase in dispensing time (1.10 to 1.27 minutes) after intervention (p = 0.182). Educational intervention improved rational use of antihypertensive drugs. Continuous supervision and educating the healthcare team on rational use of drugs must be encouraged. Keywords: Antihypertensive; Hypertension; Drug utilization; Rational drug use