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Published:
Feb 9, 2005Keywords:
Drug-use Indicators Secondary health facilities Lagos
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Drug use indicators at a secondary health care facility in Lagos, Nigeria
Abstract
Objective: Drug-use indicators were measured in a secondary health care facility in Lagos, Nigeria.
Method: Retrospective prescribing data was used and patient records were selected using a systematic sampling method.
Results:The average number of drugs per patient was 3.5=1= 1.4, 14% of patients received at least one injection and 55% of patients were prescribed at least one antibiotic. The injections were prescribed for a variety of indications where oral therapy could have been used. Antibiotics were prescribed largely for presumed infections.
Conclusion: These indicators show that the level of drug use at the hospital is sub-optimal and need to be improved upon.
Key Words: Drug-use; Indicators; Secondary health facilities; Lagos
Journal of Community Medicine & Primary Health Care Vol.16(1) 2004: 21-24
Method: Retrospective prescribing data was used and patient records were selected using a systematic sampling method.
Results:The average number of drugs per patient was 3.5=1= 1.4, 14% of patients received at least one injection and 55% of patients were prescribed at least one antibiotic. The injections were prescribed for a variety of indications where oral therapy could have been used. Antibiotics were prescribed largely for presumed infections.
Conclusion: These indicators show that the level of drug use at the hospital is sub-optimal and need to be improved upon.
Key Words: Drug-use; Indicators; Secondary health facilities; Lagos
Journal of Community Medicine & Primary Health Care Vol.16(1) 2004: 21-24
