Evaluation of Rational Drug Use in Outpatients with Urinary Tract Infection at a Rural Indian Hospital: A Cross-sectional Study
Abstract
Introduction: Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in outpatients are frequently treated empirically with antibiotics. It is essential to assess prescribing patterns to address irrational drug use and prevent the development of antimicrobial resistance.
Aim: To evaluate rational drug use in outpatients with UTIs.
Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted in the Medicine Outpatient Department (OPD) at Swami Ramanand Tirth Rural Government Medical College, Ambajogai, Maharashtra, India. A total of 1,000 prescriptions from patients diagnosed with UTIs between December 2018 and June 2020 were evaluated for demographic characteristics, co-morbidities, and medication profiles. The World Health Organisation (WHO) Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical/Defined Daily Dose (ATC/DDD) methodology was used to assess prescriptions using metrics such as Prescribed Daily Dose (PDD), DDD, PDD:DDD ratio, and DDD per 1,000 Inhabitants per Day (DID). Rationality was evaluated using WHO prescribing indicators and the Index of Rational Drug Prescribing (IRDP). Categorical data were analysed using the Chi-square test and Pearson’s correlation.
Results: The UTIs were more common in females, 682 (68.2%), than in males, 318 (31.8%). The most frequent co-morbidities were diabetes mellitus 360 (36%), urolithiasis 190 (19%), and Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH) 104 (10.4%). A total of 2,550 drugs were prescribed, most commonly nitrofurantoin 256 (25.6%), paracetamol 280 (28.0%),…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 1,000 participants or records.
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