Abstract

A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY ON DRUG UTILIZATION PATTERNS AND ADHERENCE TO MEDICATION IN COPD PATIENTS

P. Pavani*, T. R. Hemavathi, P. Suryanarayanan, K. T. Naik and M. Kishore Babu

ABSTRACT

Aim: The main of the study was to evaluate Drug utilization patterns and adherence to medication in patients diagnosed with COPD, attending a tertiary care teaching hospital, SVIMS, Tirupati. Objectives: To study drug utilization patterns in the management of COPD patients and the rate of adherence to prescribed medications in patients diagnosed with COPD. Methodology: This prospective observational study was performed in the department of general medicine in SVIMS, Tirupati. Demographic details, laboratory parameters, and treatment details were collected in pre-designed annexure form. Results: Out of 52 patients 69% are males & 31% are females, based on the mMRC grading scale patients were admitted majorly with grade 2 (35%).in our study, majorly used drugs were Bronchodilators (81%) in that mainly Anti cholinergic s (49%), and then antibiotics (77%) in that mainly cephalosporins (35%). medication adherence is calculated using the Morisky medication adherence scale in our study on average both males (5.86) and females (5.67) are in low adherence. the patients below the age group 49 are in medium adherence and those above 50 age group are under low adherence. Conclusion: As COPD is one of the most challenging issues, medication adherence is the key element for its treatment success. Providing patient counselling & Regular follow-ups may improve the safety and efficacy of the therapy. In our study finally, it was found that the majority of the drugs which the physicians prescribed were based on GOLD criteria guidelines.

Keywords: Drug utilization, Adherence, COPD, Morisky medication adherence scale.