Drug-Related Problems Among Paediatric Asthma Patients In The University Of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria
Keywords:
adherence, asthma, drug-related problem, inhalersAbstract
Background: Drug-related problems (DRPs) in asthma management can lead to deterioration in health, increased
hospitalization and costs. The general objective of this study was to investigate the drug-related problems among paediatric
asthma patients in the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State.
Methods:
This study was conducted during eight clinical visits in the paediatric respiratory unit of UNTH and also utilized the medical
records of paediatric asthma patients from 1st January, 2001 to 31st December, 2016. Interventions were made, when
necessary. Data were collected with the DRP-PCNE V. 7.0; MMAS-8; ACT TM ; the Bryantet al. Checklists, and analyzed using
the IBM Statistical Products and Service Solutions (SPSS) for Windows, Version 21.0. Descriptive statistics were used to
summarize the data.
Results:
About 59.5% of the paediatric patients were between 11 to16 years old. Majority of the drug-related problems (DRPs) were
manifest and patient-related, with salbutamol being most implicated (59.2%). The most common DRP was the effect of
drug treatment not optimal (73.6%). About half (52.1%) of the patients were unable to use their drugs as directed by failing to
correctly demonstrate all the eight steps correctly. Interventions were mainly through patient counselling (88.4%). All the
patients on pMDI plus spacer demonstrated good inhaler techniques, with about half demonstrating good device
techniques for the pMDI and accuhaler. Only one patient was on the turbuhaler and demonstrated good technique.
Conclusion:
There are different categories of drug-related problems among paediatric asthma patients with the effect of drug treatment
not optimal being the most common in this study. Most DRPs were patient-related and interventions were majorly on
patient/care giver level. Most of the problems were totally solved. Some patients were unable to use their drugs, including
inhalers, as directed. Health professionals, especially pharmacists, have huge roles to play in identifying and resolving DRPs.
Pharmacists in both hospital and community settings should use dummy inhalers to demonstrate proper inhaler techniques
to patients at times of refill. Pharmacists who are deficient in the knowledge to provide pharmaceutical care to asthma
patients should be trained through seminars, conferences and update lectures.
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