Interventional studies of anti-malarial drugs utilization in public health facilities in Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

The best way to analyze drug utilization and evaluate impact of an intervention in health care institutions is to study the universal indicators, which are not dependent either on investigator or time of measurement. The aim of this study was to characterize the prescription pattern of public health institutions in Kano, Nigeria and evaluate the rational use of anti-malarial drugs with a view
to intervening where necessary. Values of drug utilization indicators were measured prospectively and areas that required intervention identified. Intervention; consisting of free pictorial handbills given to patients, discussions held with health care personnel and pieces of advice were given to health administrators. The impact of the intervention was assessed using pre and post comparison
of appropriate indicators. The study revealed a significant decline (P < 0.01) in percentage of encounters with injections and increase utilization of oral chloroquine (P < 0.05). Significant increase (P < 0.05) in dispensing time was also observed in the study group. The results of this
study suggest the need for further intervention.