Assessment of Labeling and Patient Knowledge Of Dispensed Drugs as Patient Care Indicators In Adulala Health Center Outpatient Pharmacy, Adulala, East Shoa, Oromiya Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

The main function of a label on dispensed drug is to uniquely identify the contents of container and to ensure that patients have clear and concise information about the use of the drug. Lack of knowledge and information by the patient about the dispensed drug (the drug they take) leads to incorrect use which in turn results in loss of efficacy or occurrence of adverse effect. Objective: - To assess the quality of labeling and patient knowledge of dispensed drugs in Adulala Health Center outpatient pharmacy. Method: - Cross sectional prospective study, where by information from each package of drugs dispensed to patient, was examined using previously prepared format/ check list and exit interview was done with patients to assess their understanding of the information provided to them. The data was analyzed using spss16.0 computer program. Results: Six hundred fifty five drugs were prescribed for 302 patients and 554(84.58%) were actually dispensed and the mean labeling score of the dispensed drugs was found to be 4.41. All of the dispensed drugs were labeled with their name, strength and expiry date. The remaining labeling attributes, patient name, frequency of administration, dose and duration of treatment were written on 4.7%, 33.75%, 74% and 28.7% of the dispensed drugs respectively. The mean patient knowledge score was 2.46. Dose, frequency, duration and reason for use of treatment were recalled in 100%, 79.06%, 36.82% and 29.96% of the dispensed drugs respectively. The mean dispensing times was found to be 151.85sec. Conclusion: -The study showed that dispensed medications had poor labeling. Adequate patient knowledge score was not found. Educational level and patient age have strong association with patient knowledge on dispensed drug whereas sex has no association with patient knowledge. Dispensing time was short. Not all prescribed medications are dispensed.