Adherence of chronic dermatology patients to prescriptions and non-medicinal instructions

ABSTRACT

To determine frequency of adherence of dermatology patients having chronic diseases to prescriptions and non-medicinal instructions. The study was conducted at dermatology out-patient department of PAF Hospital Faisal, Karachi from July 2009 to September 2009. Patients included those having skin disease of over 6 months duration and visiting hospital repeatedly. A specially designed pro forma was filled for each patient. It included demographic profile and questions regarding written prescription, non-medicinal instructions and follow up dates by the dermatologist and whether patients understood and followed the prescription and non-medicinal instructions and having regular follow ups. Computer program SPSS-15 was used to manage and analyze the data. Of 160 patients, 91 [56.9%] were males and 69 [43.1%] females. Patients' age was 1-90 years [mean 33.08+18.72 years]. Prescription was clearly written for 94 [58.8%] and 84 [52.5%] understood the prescription. Ninety five [59.4%] patients took medicines regularly and in correct dosages and 43 [26.9%] observed non-medicinal instructions. Forty [25.0%] patients were given follow up date in writing and 71 [44.37%] were re-visiting clinic regularly. A considerable number of patients having chronic dermatological diseases are not adhering to the prescriptions and non-medicinal instructions