Joan Nakakande, Ivan Mugisha Taremwa, Miisa Nanyingi, Samuel Mugambe
Introduction: The expanding practice of internet-based antibiotic self-medication raises public health concerns as it increases antibiotic resistance and introduces avoidable risks. This study aims to examine the utility of internet-enabled antibiotic self-medication and its associated factors among patients attending private clinics in Kawempe division in Kampala Capital City, Uganda.
Methods: This was an analytical cross-sectional study that enrolled participants attending private clinics in Kawempe Division's randomly selected zones. These were interviewed using a structured questionnaire, and the data were analyzed using STATA version 12 software. Logistic regression analysis was used, and variables with p ≤ 0.05 were considered as significantly associated with internet-enabled antibiotic self-medication.
Results: Out of the 313 respondents, 246 (79%) reportedly had ever used internet sources to self-medicate with antibiotics. Factors such as being male; single; had knowledge of antibiotics; believed that Internet should be used for antibiotic self-medication; Distance to the nearest medical center/hospital from your residence/workplace of about 5 km and residing near a drug shop/pharmacy that gives antibiotics without a prescription increased internet-enabled antibiotic self-medication. Furthermore, the variables of more than three household members; common practice of antibiotic self-medication in a household; did not agree that one can recover from the illness without a doctor's prescription and medical workers who did not explain adequately the antibiotics medication given for the illness decreased internet-enabled antibiotic self-medication.
Conclusion: This study found that internet-enabled antibiotic self-medication practice is highly utilized and is associated with a variety of individual, household, and healthcare system factors. This necessitates strict adherence to national drug policy regulations governing antibiotic use. Furthermore, community health education is critical in combating such medication practices.
导言:基于互联网的抗生素自我药疗的扩大实践引起了公共卫生关注,因为它增加了抗生素耐药性并引入了可避免的风险。本研究旨在研究互联网抗生素自我用药的效用及其相关因素在乌干达首都坎帕拉卡温佩科私人诊所就诊的患者。方法:这是一项分析性横断面研究,招募了在Kawempe部门随机选择区域的私人诊所就诊的参与者。采用结构化问卷进行访谈,并使用STATA version 12软件对数据进行分析。采用Logistic回归分析,认为p≤0.05的变量与网络抗生素自我用药显著相关。结果:在313名应答者中,据报道有246人(79%)曾使用互联网资源使用抗生素进行自我治疗。比如作为男性;单身;了解抗生素;认为互联网应该用于抗生素自我用药;最近的医疗中心/医院距离您的住所/工作地点约5公里,并且居住在药店/药房附近,无需处方即可提供抗生素,增加了互联网支持的抗生素自我治疗。此外,三个以上家庭成员的变量;家庭中自行使用抗生素药物的普遍做法;不同意没有医生的处方就能从疾病中康复,没有充分解释给这种疾病的抗生素药物的医务工作者减少了互联网上的抗生素自我治疗。结论:本研究发现,互联网支持的抗生素自我用药实践被高度利用,并与各种个人,家庭和医疗保健系统因素相关。这就需要严格遵守有关抗生素使用的国家药物政策法规。此外,社区卫生教育对打击此类用药行为至关重要。
{"title":"The Utility of Internet-Enabled Antibiotic Self-Medication and Its Associated Factors Among Patients Attending Private Clinics in Kawempe Division in Kampala Capital City, Uganda: Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Joan Nakakande, Ivan Mugisha Taremwa, Miisa Nanyingi, Samuel Mugambe","doi":"10.2147/DHPS.S405072","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/DHPS.S405072","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The expanding practice of internet-based antibiotic self-medication raises public health concerns as it increases antibiotic resistance and introduces avoidable risks. This study aims to examine the utility of internet-enabled antibiotic self-medication and its associated factors among patients attending private clinics in Kawempe division in Kampala Capital City, Uganda.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was an analytical cross-sectional study that enrolled participants attending private clinics in Kawempe Division's randomly selected zones. These were interviewed using a structured questionnaire, and the data were analyzed using STATA version 12 software. Logistic regression analysis was used, and variables with p ≤ 0.05 were considered as significantly associated with internet-enabled antibiotic self-medication.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Out of the 313 respondents, 246 (79%) reportedly had ever used internet sources to self-medicate with antibiotics. Factors such as being male; single; had knowledge of antibiotics; believed that Internet should be used for antibiotic self-medication; Distance to the nearest medical center/hospital from your residence/workplace of about 5 km and residing near a drug shop/pharmacy that gives antibiotics without a prescription increased internet-enabled antibiotic self-medication. Furthermore, the variables of more than three household members; common practice of antibiotic self-medication in a household; did not agree that one can recover from the illness without a doctor's prescription and medical workers who did not explain adequately the antibiotics medication given for the illness decreased internet-enabled antibiotic self-medication.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study found that internet-enabled antibiotic self-medication practice is highly utilized and is associated with a variety of individual, household, and healthcare system factors. This necessitates strict adherence to national drug policy regulations governing antibiotic use. Furthermore, community health education is critical in combating such medication practices.</p>","PeriodicalId":11377,"journal":{"name":"Drug, Healthcare and Patient Safety","volume":"15 ","pages":"85-91"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ca/1f/dhps-15-85.PMC10081524.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9288634","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hereditary amyloid transthyretin (ATTRv) amyloidosis is a devastating hereditary multisystemic disease affecting predominantly the peripheral and autonomic nervous systems and the heart. ATTRv is caused by mutations in the transthyretin (TTR) gene, leading to extracellular deposition of amyloid fibrils in multiple organs including the peripheral nervous system. If untreated, it is associated with a fatal outcome 10-12 years after disease onset. Different treatments are available for patients with ATTRv polyneuropathy. Tafamidis 20 mg is approved in Europe since 2011 for early stages of ATTRv polyneuropathy (stage I - able to walk without support) and it is recommended as first-line therapy in these patients. Tafamidis is a TTR stabilizer that selectively binds to TTR and kinetically stabilizes both wild-type native TTR and mutant TTR. Consequently, it has the potential to prevent the amyloidogenic cascade initiated by TTR tetramer dissociation into its monomers and subsequent misfolding and aggregation. Tafamidis is an oral drug, taken once per day, with proved efficacy, safety and tolerability in ATTRv-PN patients as demonstrated in different clinical trials and open-label extension studies as well in clinical practice setting with around 10 years of experience. Tafamidis treatment started in the earliest stages of the disease is associated with better neurological outcomes. A multidisciplinary approach in referral centres is also fundamental for monitoring patients to assess individual response to treatment.
{"title":"Updated Evaluation of the Safety, Efficacy and Tolerability of Tafamidis in the Treatment of Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloid Polyneuropathy.","authors":"Catarina Falcão de Campos, Isabel Conceição","doi":"10.2147/DHPS.S338577","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/DHPS.S338577","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hereditary amyloid transthyretin (ATTRv) amyloidosis is a devastating hereditary multisystemic disease affecting predominantly the peripheral and autonomic nervous systems and the heart. ATTRv is caused by mutations in the <i>transthyretin</i> (<i>TTR</i>) gene, leading to extracellular deposition of amyloid fibrils in multiple organs including the peripheral nervous system. If untreated, it is associated with a fatal outcome 10-12 years after disease onset. Different treatments are available for patients with ATTRv polyneuropathy. Tafamidis 20 mg is approved in Europe since 2011 for early stages of ATTRv polyneuropathy (stage I - able to walk without support) and it is recommended as first-line therapy in these patients. Tafamidis is a TTR stabilizer that selectively binds to TTR and kinetically stabilizes both wild-type native TTR and mutant TTR. Consequently, it has the potential to prevent the amyloidogenic cascade initiated by TTR tetramer dissociation into its monomers and subsequent misfolding and aggregation. Tafamidis is an oral drug, taken once per day, with proved efficacy, safety and tolerability in ATTRv-PN patients as demonstrated in different clinical trials and open-label extension studies as well in clinical practice setting with around 10 years of experience. Tafamidis treatment started in the earliest stages of the disease is associated with better neurological outcomes. A multidisciplinary approach in referral centres is also fundamental for monitoring patients to assess individual response to treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":11377,"journal":{"name":"Drug, Healthcare and Patient Safety","volume":"15 ","pages":"51-62"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0a/29/dhps-15-51.PMC9942506.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10762301","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Katherine Campbell, Akhil Muthigi, Armin Ghomeshi, Kyle Schuppe, Max D Sandler, Ranjith Ramasamy
Testosterone deficiency is diagnosed by a serum total testosterone level below 300 ng/dL in combination with symptoms such as decreased energy and libido. These symptoms can be ameliorated by restoring serum testosterone to the physiologic range with testosterone therapy (TT). There are numerous forms of testosterone therapy, such as injectable, transdermal, nasal, and subcutaneous applications. There are also multiple formulations of injection, such as testosterone cypionate, testosterone enanthate, and testosterone undecanoate. Testosterone undecanoate (TU) is a long-acting ester formulation of testosterone that can be provided in an injectable or oral form. Oral testosterone undecanoate is marketed as Andriol, Jatenzo, Tlando, and Kyzatrex. Oral TU provides a convenient option for many patients, which may increase compliance with TT. Injectable testosterone undecanoate is marketed as Aveed and Nebido. Injectable TT remains the most cost-effective therapeutic option and is appropriate for most patients as an initial therapy. This review describes the pharmacokinetics of these testosterone undecanoate products and provides a guide for prescribers using these medications. While many forms of testosterone are appropriate for TT, a patient-centered discussion focused on goals of care should best guide physician prescription of these medications.
{"title":"Safety Aspects and Rational Use of Testosterone Undecanoate in the Treatment of Testosterone Deficiency: Clinical Insights.","authors":"Katherine Campbell, Akhil Muthigi, Armin Ghomeshi, Kyle Schuppe, Max D Sandler, Ranjith Ramasamy","doi":"10.2147/DHPS.S383130","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/DHPS.S383130","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Testosterone deficiency is diagnosed by a serum total testosterone level below 300 ng/dL in combination with symptoms such as decreased energy and libido. These symptoms can be ameliorated by restoring serum testosterone to the physiologic range with testosterone therapy (TT). There are numerous forms of testosterone therapy, such as injectable, transdermal, nasal, and subcutaneous applications. There are also multiple formulations of injection, such as testosterone cypionate, testosterone enanthate, and testosterone undecanoate. Testosterone undecanoate (TU) is a long-acting ester formulation of testosterone that can be provided in an injectable or oral form. Oral testosterone undecanoate is marketed as Andriol, Jatenzo, Tlando, and Kyzatrex. Oral TU provides a convenient option for many patients, which may increase compliance with TT. Injectable testosterone undecanoate is marketed as Aveed and Nebido. Injectable TT remains the most cost-effective therapeutic option and is appropriate for most patients as an initial therapy. This review describes the pharmacokinetics of these testosterone undecanoate products and provides a guide for prescribers using these medications. While many forms of testosterone are appropriate for TT, a patient-centered discussion focused on goals of care should best guide physician prescription of these medications.</p>","PeriodicalId":11377,"journal":{"name":"Drug, Healthcare and Patient Safety","volume":"15 ","pages":"73-84"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/49/59/dhps-15-73.PMC10072151.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9264103","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Objective To compare the prevalence of self-medication among first- and fifth-year medical students at Kabul University of Medical Sciences. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with the participation of all first- and fifth-year medical students by using a short, self-administered questionnaire. The prevalence of self-medication was estimated in the entire study population and also in those who had used medicines in the preceding one week. Results Of the total 302 students, the prevalence of medicine use was 38%. The prevalence of self-medication in all study population was 25.16%, whereas in those who had used medicines was 64.9%. Prescription-only medicines consisted of 59.2% of self-medication. The practice of self-medication and the use of prescription-only medicines were more prevalent among students in their fifth year and among males. While the prevalence of medicine use was the same among males and females, it differed between students in the fifth and first year. Paracetamol, anti-infectives, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were more frequently used medicines. Conclusion The use of medicines, self-medication and the use of prescription-only medicines were more prevalent among fifth-year students compared to those in the first-year. This apparently reflects the effect of medical education and training. More specific studies are required to address the issue in more detail and to facilitate interventions. The estimation of the prevalence of self-medication by using a short acceptable recall period, confined in those who had used medicines, seems to be more reasonable and accurate than by using a longer recall period in the entire study population. The prevalence of prescription-only medicines in self-medication could also be a useful indicator.
{"title":"Influence of Medical Education on Medicine Use and Self-Medication Among Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study from Kabul","authors":"A. Daanish, Ershad Ahmad Mushkani","doi":"10.2147/DHPS.S360072","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/DHPS.S360072","url":null,"abstract":"Objective To compare the prevalence of self-medication among first- and fifth-year medical students at Kabul University of Medical Sciences. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with the participation of all first- and fifth-year medical students by using a short, self-administered questionnaire. The prevalence of self-medication was estimated in the entire study population and also in those who had used medicines in the preceding one week. Results Of the total 302 students, the prevalence of medicine use was 38%. The prevalence of self-medication in all study population was 25.16%, whereas in those who had used medicines was 64.9%. Prescription-only medicines consisted of 59.2% of self-medication. The practice of self-medication and the use of prescription-only medicines were more prevalent among students in their fifth year and among males. While the prevalence of medicine use was the same among males and females, it differed between students in the fifth and first year. Paracetamol, anti-infectives, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were more frequently used medicines. Conclusion The use of medicines, self-medication and the use of prescription-only medicines were more prevalent among fifth-year students compared to those in the first-year. This apparently reflects the effect of medical education and training. More specific studies are required to address the issue in more detail and to facilitate interventions. The estimation of the prevalence of self-medication by using a short acceptable recall period, confined in those who had used medicines, seems to be more reasonable and accurate than by using a longer recall period in the entire study population. The prevalence of prescription-only medicines in self-medication could also be a useful indicator.","PeriodicalId":11377,"journal":{"name":"Drug, Healthcare and Patient Safety","volume":"14 1","pages":"79 - 85"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2022-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44451614","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract Methotrexate (MTX) has been widely used with a wide range of doses in the treatment of certain neoplastic diseases, severe psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis. At higher dose, monitoring of serum MTX elimination is performed because delayed elimination can result in serious and potentially life-threatening toxicities. A number of medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), salicylates, phenylbutazone, phenytoin, sulfonamides, and some oral antibiotics, are known to interact with MTX therapy through various mechanisms. Accumulating evidence suggests that concomitant use of MTX (primarily at high doses) and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole, esomeprazole, and pantoprazole may decrease MTX clearance. The majority of the reported cases occurred with the administration of high-dose MTX in patients receiving doses of 300 mg/m2 to 12 g/m2. However, there were also cases of patients taking PPI and experiencing toxicity at doses as low as 10 mg of MTX per week. Although the dosage of MTX is small, the presence of side effect may be delayed and still dangerous. After literature review, it was found that common toxicities associated with low-dose MTX used for inflammatory arthritis include gastrointestinal adverse effects (>10%; ie nausea, stomatitis) and central nervous system toxicity (~20%; ie fatigue, malaise, dizziness, impaired cognition) with weekly administration. Bone marrow suppression (<3%; ie leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia) and hepatotoxicity (~15%; ie reversible elevations in transaminases) are less common, and rarely MTX can also cause pulmonary (<1%) and other toxicities. Here, we report two cases who presented with severe pancytopenia 8 and 13 days after taking low-dose MTX and PPI. We highlight that in absence of risk/benefit ratio correctly set, an assessment of appropriateness of PPI prescription before MTX therapy can limit an iatrogenic risk.
{"title":"Pancytopenia Due to Possible Drug–Drug Interactions Between Low-Dose Methotrexate and Proton Pump Inhibitors","authors":"D. Tao, Hui Wang, Fangfang Xia, Wenlu Ma","doi":"10.2147/DHPS.S350194","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/DHPS.S350194","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Methotrexate (MTX) has been widely used with a wide range of doses in the treatment of certain neoplastic diseases, severe psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis. At higher dose, monitoring of serum MTX elimination is performed because delayed elimination can result in serious and potentially life-threatening toxicities. A number of medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), salicylates, phenylbutazone, phenytoin, sulfonamides, and some oral antibiotics, are known to interact with MTX therapy through various mechanisms. Accumulating evidence suggests that concomitant use of MTX (primarily at high doses) and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole, esomeprazole, and pantoprazole may decrease MTX clearance. The majority of the reported cases occurred with the administration of high-dose MTX in patients receiving doses of 300 mg/m2 to 12 g/m2. However, there were also cases of patients taking PPI and experiencing toxicity at doses as low as 10 mg of MTX per week. Although the dosage of MTX is small, the presence of side effect may be delayed and still dangerous. After literature review, it was found that common toxicities associated with low-dose MTX used for inflammatory arthritis include gastrointestinal adverse effects (>10%; ie nausea, stomatitis) and central nervous system toxicity (~20%; ie fatigue, malaise, dizziness, impaired cognition) with weekly administration. Bone marrow suppression (<3%; ie leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia) and hepatotoxicity (~15%; ie reversible elevations in transaminases) are less common, and rarely MTX can also cause pulmonary (<1%) and other toxicities. Here, we report two cases who presented with severe pancytopenia 8 and 13 days after taking low-dose MTX and PPI. We highlight that in absence of risk/benefit ratio correctly set, an assessment of appropriateness of PPI prescription before MTX therapy can limit an iatrogenic risk.","PeriodicalId":11377,"journal":{"name":"Drug, Healthcare and Patient Safety","volume":"14 1","pages":"75 - 78"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2022-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48918498","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Maria Glans, P. Midlöv, Annika Kragh Ekstam, Å. Bondesson, A. Brorsson
Purpose This qualitative study aimed to investigate experiences and perceptions of hospital physicians regarding the discharging process, focusing on information transfer regarding medications. Methods By purposive sampling three focus groups were formed. To facilitate discussions and maintain consistency, a semi-structured interview guide was used. Discussions were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the anonymized data. A confirmatory analysis concluded that the main findings were supported by data. Results Identified obstacles were divided into three categories with two sub-categories each: Infrastructure; IT-systems currently used are suboptimal and complex. Hospital and primary care use different electronic medical records, complicating matters. The work organization is not helping with time scarcity and lack of continuity. Distinct routines could help create continuity but are not always in place, known, and/or followed. Physician: knowledge and education in the systems is not always provided nor prioritized. Understanding the consequences of not following routines and taking responsibility regarding the medications list is important. Not everyone has the self-reliance or willingness to do so. Patient/next of kin: For patients to provide information on medications used is not always easy when hospitalized. Understanding information provided can be hard, especially when medical jargon is used and there is no one available to provide support. A central theme, “We're only human”, encompasses how physicians do their best despite difficult conditions. Conclusion There are several obstacles in transferring information regarding medications at discharge. Issues regarding infrastructure are seldom possible for the individual physician to influence. However, several issues raised by the participating physicians are possible to act upon. In doing so medication errors in care transitions might decrease and information transfer at discharge might improve.
{"title":"Obstacles and Opportunities in Information Transfer Regarding Medications at Discharge – A Focus Group Study with Hospital Physicians","authors":"Maria Glans, P. Midlöv, Annika Kragh Ekstam, Å. Bondesson, A. Brorsson","doi":"10.2147/DHPS.S362189","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/DHPS.S362189","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose This qualitative study aimed to investigate experiences and perceptions of hospital physicians regarding the discharging process, focusing on information transfer regarding medications. Methods By purposive sampling three focus groups were formed. To facilitate discussions and maintain consistency, a semi-structured interview guide was used. Discussions were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the anonymized data. A confirmatory analysis concluded that the main findings were supported by data. Results Identified obstacles were divided into three categories with two sub-categories each: Infrastructure; IT-systems currently used are suboptimal and complex. Hospital and primary care use different electronic medical records, complicating matters. The work organization is not helping with time scarcity and lack of continuity. Distinct routines could help create continuity but are not always in place, known, and/or followed. Physician: knowledge and education in the systems is not always provided nor prioritized. Understanding the consequences of not following routines and taking responsibility regarding the medications list is important. Not everyone has the self-reliance or willingness to do so. Patient/next of kin: For patients to provide information on medications used is not always easy when hospitalized. Understanding information provided can be hard, especially when medical jargon is used and there is no one available to provide support. A central theme, “We're only human”, encompasses how physicians do their best despite difficult conditions. Conclusion There are several obstacles in transferring information regarding medications at discharge. Issues regarding infrastructure are seldom possible for the individual physician to influence. However, several issues raised by the participating physicians are possible to act upon. In doing so medication errors in care transitions might decrease and information transfer at discharge might improve.","PeriodicalId":11377,"journal":{"name":"Drug, Healthcare and Patient Safety","volume":"14 1","pages":"61 - 73"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2022-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44617358","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Background Medical error is defined as “an act of omission or commission in planning or execution that contributes or could contribute to an unintended result”. It is a serious public health problem that can pose a threat to patient safety and if managed it can be an opportunity to an organizational learning. This study aimed to assess the challenges of error reporting. Methods Explorative qualitative cross-sectional study was conducted. The study was conducted among healthcare providers in Mizan-Tepi University Teaching Hospital. The study participants were selected purposely based on the patient contact hour and had served in this hospital for long period of time. Twenty-one in-depth interviews were undertaken. From each wards, three in-depth interviews were held. Case team leaders and other healthcare providers were identified and interviewed. The data were analyzed thematically. Results Twenty-one healthcare providers were recruited for this study. Majority of the participants, 12 (57.1%) were nurses and midwives and as to marital status, 18 (85.7%) were married. Challenges for reporting medical errors were identified as perceived lack of confidentiality of the medical errors, perceived punitive measures, lack of good reporting system, perceived fear of losing acceptance, lack of learning culture from errors, information asymmetry, mass-media publication of medical errors, avoidance of conflict and attitude of health professionals. Conclusion There were system and individual related challenges for reporting of medical errors. Healthcare managers should enhance medical error reporting for organizational learning by addressing these system and individual factors.
{"title":"Challenges of Medical Error Reporting in Mizan-Tepi University Teaching Hospital: A Qualitative Exploratory Study","authors":"Msganaw Derese, Wubetu Agegnehu","doi":"10.2147/DHPS.S347738","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/DHPS.S347738","url":null,"abstract":"Background Medical error is defined as “an act of omission or commission in planning or execution that contributes or could contribute to an unintended result”. It is a serious public health problem that can pose a threat to patient safety and if managed it can be an opportunity to an organizational learning. This study aimed to assess the challenges of error reporting. Methods Explorative qualitative cross-sectional study was conducted. The study was conducted among healthcare providers in Mizan-Tepi University Teaching Hospital. The study participants were selected purposely based on the patient contact hour and had served in this hospital for long period of time. Twenty-one in-depth interviews were undertaken. From each wards, three in-depth interviews were held. Case team leaders and other healthcare providers were identified and interviewed. The data were analyzed thematically. Results Twenty-one healthcare providers were recruited for this study. Majority of the participants, 12 (57.1%) were nurses and midwives and as to marital status, 18 (85.7%) were married. Challenges for reporting medical errors were identified as perceived lack of confidentiality of the medical errors, perceived punitive measures, lack of good reporting system, perceived fear of losing acceptance, lack of learning culture from errors, information asymmetry, mass-media publication of medical errors, avoidance of conflict and attitude of health professionals. Conclusion There were system and individual related challenges for reporting of medical errors. Healthcare managers should enhance medical error reporting for organizational learning by addressing these system and individual factors.","PeriodicalId":11377,"journal":{"name":"Drug, Healthcare and Patient Safety","volume":"14 1","pages":"51 - 59"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2022-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45440263","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Background The use of herbal medicine is increasing globally, particularly in developing countries including Ethiopia, yet little is known regarding its effect and safety during pregnancy. Pregnant women prefer herbal medicine due to easy accessibility, traditional and cultural beliefs, and comparatively low cost. This study aimed to assess women’s knowledge and attitude towards the effects of herbal medicine usage during pregnancy and associated factors among women who gave birth in the last twelve months in Dega Damot district. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1st to February 30th, 2021. A total of 872 women were selected using a stratified cluster sampling technique. Data were collected by face-to-face interviews using a structured, pretested, and interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were entered into EPI data version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was done and a p-value of ≤ 0.05 was used to declare the level of significance. Results Women’s knowledge and positive attitude towards the effects of herbal medicine usage during pregnancy was 49.1% (95% CI: 46–52) and 57.3% (95% CI: 54–61), respectively. Access to media, had antenatal care visit, being urban dweller, history of herbal medicine usage, and a short distance to reach the nearby health facility were significantly associated with women’s knowledge about effects of herbal medicine usage. Besides, being primiparous and short traveling time to reach the nearby health facility was significantly associated with women’s attitude towards the effects of herbal medicine usage during pregnancy. Conclusion Women’s knowledge and positive attitude towards the effects of herbal medicine usage during pregnancy was low. It is important to design strategies to improve the accessibilities of maternal health services, and expand access to media will have a great role in improving women’s knowledge and attitude towards herbal medicine usage during pregnancy.
{"title":"Knowledge and Attitude of Women Towards Herbal Medicine Usage During Pregnancy and Associated Factors Among Mothers Who Gave Birth in the Last Twelve Months in Dega Damot District, Northwest Ethiopia","authors":"Tazeb Alemu Anteneh, Abayneh Aklilu Solomon, Animut Tagele Tamiru, Nebiyu Solomon Tibebu, Haymanot Nigatu Alemu, Selam Yibeltal Desalegn, Hiwotie Getaneh Ayalew, Marta Yimam Abegaz, Azmeraw Ambachew Kebede","doi":"10.2147/DHPS.S355773","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/DHPS.S355773","url":null,"abstract":"Background The use of herbal medicine is increasing globally, particularly in developing countries including Ethiopia, yet little is known regarding its effect and safety during pregnancy. Pregnant women prefer herbal medicine due to easy accessibility, traditional and cultural beliefs, and comparatively low cost. This study aimed to assess women’s knowledge and attitude towards the effects of herbal medicine usage during pregnancy and associated factors among women who gave birth in the last twelve months in Dega Damot district. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1st to February 30th, 2021. A total of 872 women were selected using a stratified cluster sampling technique. Data were collected by face-to-face interviews using a structured, pretested, and interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were entered into EPI data version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was done and a p-value of ≤ 0.05 was used to declare the level of significance. Results Women’s knowledge and positive attitude towards the effects of herbal medicine usage during pregnancy was 49.1% (95% CI: 46–52) and 57.3% (95% CI: 54–61), respectively. Access to media, had antenatal care visit, being urban dweller, history of herbal medicine usage, and a short distance to reach the nearby health facility were significantly associated with women’s knowledge about effects of herbal medicine usage. Besides, being primiparous and short traveling time to reach the nearby health facility was significantly associated with women’s attitude towards the effects of herbal medicine usage during pregnancy. Conclusion Women’s knowledge and positive attitude towards the effects of herbal medicine usage during pregnancy was low. It is important to design strategies to improve the accessibilities of maternal health services, and expand access to media will have a great role in improving women’s knowledge and attitude towards herbal medicine usage during pregnancy.","PeriodicalId":11377,"journal":{"name":"Drug, Healthcare and Patient Safety","volume":"14 1","pages":"37 - 49"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2022-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47173898","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Thaw Zin Lin, Isareethika Jayasvasti, S. Tiraphat, S. Pengpid, Manisthawadee Jayasvasti, Phetlada Borriharn
Background The spread and emergence of antimicrobial resistance is the significant public health concerns over past decades. The major leading cause comes from irrational use of antibiotics. Aim To explore the characteristics of rational use of antibiotics and identify its predictive factors among public sector living in Nakhon Nayok Province, Thailand. Methods This project was conducted by using the data-source from Rational Use of Antibiotics (RUA) Survey Project at Nakhon Nayok Province. A cross-sectional community-based study method and face to face interviews were conducted. Two hundred fifty-four participants were selected by using Quota sampling method. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the sociodemographic and antibiotics use characteristics. Chi-square test were utilized to determine the association between explanatory variables and major outcome while multiple logistic regression was analysed to identify the predictors of antibiotics use behavior. Results The mean age of the participants was 42 years, those with aged between 35 and 56 had more rational use of antibiotics behavior than those with 13–34 years while older adults (57–78 years) were significantly associated with irrational use of antibiotics [AOR = 0.38; 95% CI (0.17–0.85)] than those with less than 34 years of age. Less than half (45.7%) and about one third of them (31.1%) showed adequate knowledge and appropriate attitude towards antibiotics use. An adequate knowledge [AOR = 3.37; 95% CI (1.92–5.90)], appropriate attitude [AOR = 2.90; 95% CI (1.54–5.43)], not using antibiotics within last 3 months [AOR = 1.89; 95% CI (1.04–3.43)], and not visiting drugstore when having three main diseases [AOR = 2.04; 95% CI (1.06–3.92)] were the significant predictors of rational antibiotics use (p-value <0.05). Conclusion Strategies development in terms of knowledge and attitude enhancement about antibiotics use particularly at the different ages together with RDU pharmacy encouragement and policy restriction of community drugstores antibiotics sales are the most effective method to promote rational antibiotics use behavior in the public sector.
{"title":"The Predictors Influencing the Rational Use of Antibiotics Among Public Sector: A Community-Based Survey in Thailand","authors":"Thaw Zin Lin, Isareethika Jayasvasti, S. Tiraphat, S. Pengpid, Manisthawadee Jayasvasti, Phetlada Borriharn","doi":"10.2147/DHPS.S339808","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/DHPS.S339808","url":null,"abstract":"Background The spread and emergence of antimicrobial resistance is the significant public health concerns over past decades. The major leading cause comes from irrational use of antibiotics. Aim To explore the characteristics of rational use of antibiotics and identify its predictive factors among public sector living in Nakhon Nayok Province, Thailand. Methods This project was conducted by using the data-source from Rational Use of Antibiotics (RUA) Survey Project at Nakhon Nayok Province. A cross-sectional community-based study method and face to face interviews were conducted. Two hundred fifty-four participants were selected by using Quota sampling method. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the sociodemographic and antibiotics use characteristics. Chi-square test were utilized to determine the association between explanatory variables and major outcome while multiple logistic regression was analysed to identify the predictors of antibiotics use behavior. Results The mean age of the participants was 42 years, those with aged between 35 and 56 had more rational use of antibiotics behavior than those with 13–34 years while older adults (57–78 years) were significantly associated with irrational use of antibiotics [AOR = 0.38; 95% CI (0.17–0.85)] than those with less than 34 years of age. Less than half (45.7%) and about one third of them (31.1%) showed adequate knowledge and appropriate attitude towards antibiotics use. An adequate knowledge [AOR = 3.37; 95% CI (1.92–5.90)], appropriate attitude [AOR = 2.90; 95% CI (1.54–5.43)], not using antibiotics within last 3 months [AOR = 1.89; 95% CI (1.04–3.43)], and not visiting drugstore when having three main diseases [AOR = 2.04; 95% CI (1.06–3.92)] were the significant predictors of rational antibiotics use (p-value <0.05). Conclusion Strategies development in terms of knowledge and attitude enhancement about antibiotics use particularly at the different ages together with RDU pharmacy encouragement and policy restriction of community drugstores antibiotics sales are the most effective method to promote rational antibiotics use behavior in the public sector.","PeriodicalId":11377,"journal":{"name":"Drug, Healthcare and Patient Safety","volume":"14 1","pages":"27 - 36"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2022-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49281020","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract A commonly reported definition of polypharmacy is the numerical definition of 5 or more medications daily, and definitions have ranged from 2 or more to 11 or more medications. In this case report, an extreme case of polypharmacy is presented, highlighted by the inordinate number of drugs used over time throughout the patient’s care. A 48-year-old African American female with multiple comorbidities experienced a serious adverse drug event (ADE) prompting reporting to MedWatch, the US Food and Drug Administration’s adverse drug event reporting system. The patient’s concomitant medications included 146 drug entities, across 82 therapeutic drug categories. It is apparent that the greatest influence on the occurrence of polypharmacy was the presence of multiple comorbidities, and treatment centered around addressing each morbidity with drug therapy. This case illustrates the insidious nature of polypharmacy and raises questions as to the appropriate progression and limits on the use of multiple medications.
{"title":"An Atypical Case of Extreme Polypharmacy","authors":"Michael A. Veronin","doi":"10.2147/DHPS.S332954","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/DHPS.S332954","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract A commonly reported definition of polypharmacy is the numerical definition of 5 or more medications daily, and definitions have ranged from 2 or more to 11 or more medications. In this case report, an extreme case of polypharmacy is presented, highlighted by the inordinate number of drugs used over time throughout the patient’s care. A 48-year-old African American female with multiple comorbidities experienced a serious adverse drug event (ADE) prompting reporting to MedWatch, the US Food and Drug Administration’s adverse drug event reporting system. The patient’s concomitant medications included 146 drug entities, across 82 therapeutic drug categories. It is apparent that the greatest influence on the occurrence of polypharmacy was the presence of multiple comorbidities, and treatment centered around addressing each morbidity with drug therapy. This case illustrates the insidious nature of polypharmacy and raises questions as to the appropriate progression and limits on the use of multiple medications.","PeriodicalId":11377,"journal":{"name":"Drug, Healthcare and Patient Safety","volume":"14 1","pages":"19 - 26"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2022-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48125162","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}