Antibiotics prescription for indigent patients in primary care

Authors: Tzimis, L.¹; Katsantonis, N.²; Leledaki, A.²; Vasilomanolakis, K.²; Kafatos, A.³

Source: Journal of Clinical Pharmacy & Therapeutics, Volume 22, Number 3, June 1997 , pp. 227-235(9)

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Abstract:

Objective: A drug use evaluation focusing on prescribed antibiotics among Greek indigent and Social Security patients.Method: Four hundred and forty-six indigent patients insured by Social Care and 332 patients insured under Social Security Funds were interviewed and their prescription records reviewed.Results: Although 88·5% of indigent patients stated that they had received instructions on antibiotic use and had understood these instructions, only 45·9% could correctly repeat these instructions. Only 9·9% read the enclosed leaflets and 59·4% reported asking the pharmacist for advice, 54·1% of these patients were unaware of the dosage of their medication, and the length of treatment was only written in 13% of cases. The most common diseases among indigent patients were respiratory infection (11·7%) and dental problems (10·1%). The latter ranked 11th among the insured patients (3·7%). Tuberculosis (3·3%) was still one of the most common diseases among the indigent patients. Overall, 30·9% of the prescribed daily defined dose (DDD) of medication for the indigent patients were for cardiovascular drugs (16·9% of the cost), 19·5% were for nervous system drugs (8·9% of the cost), 13·5% for gastrointestinal tract drugs (14·1% of the cost) and only 4·3% were antibiotics (but 16·9% of the cost). The most frequently prescribed antimicrobials were penicillins (45·6%), cephalosporins (19·7%), macrolides (12·6%) and quinolones (9·6%). Antituberculous agents made up 13·7% of the antibiotic prescriptions. The most widely prescribed antibiotics were amoxycillin+clavulanate (19·3%), amoxycillin (7·9%), cefaclor (5·6%), clarythromycin (5·1%) and rifampicin+isoniazid (6·3%).Conclusion: The present study emphasizes the need for more information on drug use among indigent patients and their information needs.

Document Type: Original article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2710.1997.9075090.x

Affiliations: 1: Department of Pharmacy Services, Chania General Hospital `St George', 73100, Chania, 2: Community Pharmacists, Chania, 3: Preventive Medicine and Nutrition Clinic, University of Crete, School of Medicine, Iraklion, Crete, Greece

Publication date: 1997-06-01

Antibiotics prescription for indigent patients in primary care

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