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Drug utilization pattern in pregnant women in rural areas, India: Cross–sectional observational study
Author(s) -
Adhikari Anjan,
Biswas Sharmistha,
Gupta Raj K.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
journal of obstetrics and gynaecology research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.597
H-Index - 50
eISSN - 1447-0756
pISSN - 1341-8076
DOI - 10.1111/j.1447-0756.2011.01618.x
Subject(s) - medicine , observational study , medical prescription , socioeconomic status , drug , rural area , pregnancy , audit , cross sectional study , family medicine , environmental health , pediatrics , pharmacology , population , management , pathology , biology , economics , genetics
Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the drug‐utilization trend of pregnant women in rural areas of central India. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective, observational study using a questionnaire, face‐to‐face interview and a prescription audit. Results: The majority of the subjects were primigravida (51.4%), from the lower socioeconomic group (71.3%) and with poor formal education. Although the drugs prescribed for them per prescription (2.66) were within rational limits, there was scope for improvement in generic (21%) and essential drugs (18%), antibiotics (9.6%) and injections (10.97%). Conclusions: Morbidity and mortality during the antenatal period occur due to different factors. Regular drug‐utilization studies following the guidelines of the World Health Organization and information, education and communication factors related to drug use by pregnant women can be improved.