DRUG UTILIZATION PATTERN IN INPATIENTS OF A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL IN HARYANA

Abstract

Background: Drug utilization studies provide valuable insights into prescribing patterns, rational drug use, and healthcare quality in hospital settings. Limited data exists on drug utilization patterns in tertiary care hospitals in Haryana, India.

Objectives: To evaluate drug utilization patterns among inpatients in a tertiary care teaching hospital in Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, and assess adherence to WHO prescribing indicators.

Methodology: A prospective observational study was conducted from November 1-25, 2018, in the Department of Medicine at a tertiary care teaching hospital. Systematic random sampling was used to select 384 inpatients. Data collection included demographic details, diagnosis, prescribed medications, and treatment outcomes using a structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0.

Results: The study included 384 inpatients with mean age 52.3±14.7 years. Males constituted 58.6% of participants. Average number of drugs per prescription was 6.2±2.1. Generic prescribing rate was 23.4%, while 76.8% of drugs were from essential drug list. Antibiotics were prescribed in 68.2% cases. Cardiovascular drugs (24.3%) were most commonly prescribed, followed by antimicrobials (19.7%) and gastrointestinal drugs (15.2%).

Conclusion: The study revealed polypharmacy tendency with scope for improvement in generic prescribing and rational antibiotic use. Findings provide baseline data for developing institutional prescribing guidelines specific to the regional healthcare context.