ABSTRACT
Few studies have systematically characterized drug-prescribing patterns; particularly at the primary care level in Nigeria; a country disproportionately burdened with disease. The aim of this study was to assess the disease profiles and drug-prescribing pattern in two health care facilities in Edo State; Nigeria. The medical records of 495 patients who attended a primary or secondary health care facility in Owan-East Local Government Area of Edo State; Nigeria; between June and November 2009 were reviewed. Disease profiles and drug prescribing patterns were assessed. Data were analyzed based on the World Health Organization Anatomic Therapeutic Chemical classification system; and core drug prescribing indicators. Five hundred and twelve clinical conditions were identified. Infectious disease was most prevalent (38.3); followed by disorder of the alimentary tract (16.4). Malaria was responsible for 55.6 of the infectious diseases seen; and 21.3 (109/512) of the total clinical conditions managed at the two health facilities during the study period. Consequently; anti-infective medications were the most frequently prescribed medicines (21.5); followed by vitamins (18.2). Use of artesunate monotherapy at both facilities (15.7); and chloroquine at the primary health facility (24.9) were common. Paracetamol (41.8) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (24.9) were the most frequently used analgesic/antipyretic. At the primary health care facility; dipyrone was used in 21.6 of cases. The core drug prescribing use indicators showed inappropriate prescribing; indicating poly-pharmacy; overuse of antibiotics and injectio. Inappropriate drug use patterns were identified at both health care facilities; especially with regard to the use of ineffective antimalarial drugs and the use of dipyrone