DRUG-RELATED PROBLEMS AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG HOSPITALIZED PEDIATRIC PATIENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF GONDAR COMPREHENSIVE & SPECIALIZED HOSPITAL, ETHIOPIA, 2021: A CROSSSECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Drug-related problem is any event involving drug therapy that interferes with a patient’s desired clinical outcome. It has been pointed out that hospitalized pediatric patients are particularly prone to drug-related problems. Thus, this study aimed to assess drug-related problems and associated factors among patients admitted to the pediatric ward of the University of Gondar Comprehensive and Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among pediatric patients admitted to the University of Gondar Comprehensive and Specialized Hospital from May 1, to July 30, 2021. A Simple random sampling technique was employed to select study participants. The distribution of data was checked by using the Hosmer Lemeshow goodness of fit test. To identify predictors of drug-related problems, multiple logistic regression analysis was done. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval was also be computed for each variable for the corresponding P-value to see the strength of association. Those variables which have a P-value of < 0.25 in Bivariable analysis were entered in Multivariable analysis to determine factors associated with drug related problems. Results: A total of 180 drug-related problems were identified in 145 participants with an overall prevalence to be 40.2% [95% CI (35.5- 45.4)]. Dose too low (35.56%), needs additional drug (28.89%) and dose too high (21%) were the commonest type of drug-related problems identified. The most important interventions made were dose adjustment (52%) and the addition of drugs (30%). The presence of comorbidity [AOR = 3.32, 95% CI (1.88-5.88)], polypharmacy [AOR = 4.22, 95% CI (2.21-8.10)], and more than 6 days stay in the hospital [AOR =7.59, 95% CI (3.7615.33)] were independent predictors for the occurrence of drug-related problems.

Conclusion: The present study showed that drug-related problems were common at the pediatric ward of the University of Gondar Comprehensive and Specialized Hospital. The presence of comorbidity, polypharmacy and prolonged hospital stay were predictors of drug-related problems. Therefore, to prevent these problems, health care providers have to work in collaboration with clinical pharmacists and give due attention to those patients with comorbidity, polypharmacy and patients who stayed more than six days. Keywords: Drug-related problems, Pediatrics, University of Gondar, Ethiopia