Research Article Open access Peer reviewed

Evaluation of Antibiotics Prescribing Patterns practiced at Panjab University Health Centre, Chandigarh

Authors

Anil Kumar, Beenta, Megha Chakrabortyhttps://orcid.org/0009-0005-7411-6588

University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India

Received
Published
DOI https://doi.org/10.55006/biolsciences.2023.3302 Citation Biological Sciences, Vol. 3 No. 3 (2023), 439-444

Abstract

Prescription Monitoring Program is a WHO initiative to encourage rationality in drug prescribing patterns among health practitioners based on observational cohort studies to assess, monitor, and regulate drug usage in primary healthcare centers. The objective of this study is to understand the present trends of Antibiotics prescribing followed by physicians at Panjab University Healthcare Centre in order to assess and evaluate the rationale use of Antibiotics. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at PUHC Outpatient Department for 2 months from 1st October to 30th November 2022. A total of 100 prescriptions were studied. This study included a diverse group of population on a random basis. The data collection and assessment were in accordance with WHO Prescription Performa. During this period, 100 prescriptions were collected and analyzed from OPD patients based on WHO Performa. The Demographic study showed that out of 100 prescriptions, 44% were female and 56% male followed by 25% pediatric (1-20 years) and 4%, geriatric. The study of age demographics revealed most prescription was of 21-40 years (age-group). The most common indication for antibiotics prescribing was found to be Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URI). The majority of patients visiting PUHC were diagnosed with URI (86 prescriptions out of 100) followed by ENT & eye infections, burn wound and bacterial typhoid fever. Out of total antibiotics prescriptions, 50.71% brand drugs and 49.29% generic drugs were prescribed. The most frequently prescribed antibiotic was among Macrolides class which was Azithromycin. The average cost of antibiotics per prescription was Rs. 68.57. Out of 100 patients 81% were aware about dosage regimen and 86% patients had knowledge about medication indication. Only 37% of patients were familiar with therapeutic category of drug. According to evaluation, 68% of prescriptions were in accordance with WHO Prescribing Indicators. The study reflected the current prescribing pattern of antibiotics in PUHC and highlights the drawbacks for scope of improvement in rationale prescribing of drugs.

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