Study of drug use pattern in primary health care facilities in Zagazig District- Sharkia Governorate

Introduction: The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being. The WHO conference on the rational use of drugs in 1985 marked the beginning of efforts to improve the use of drugs, especially in developing countries. Essential drugs are one of the tools for fighting ill health. By increasing access to essential drugs, their safety and their rational use, we could make the pharmaceutical potential to improve health and save development gains (Nikfar et al., 2005).Methodology: This study was done by a cross-section method. It was carried out in four PHC units. A sample of four primary health care units was randomly chosen (three rural and one urban), in each unit all physicians, pharmacists and 30 patients were included in the study. The study was done during a period of 9 months from March, 2009 to December, 2009. Data collection was done by three questionnaires for physicians, pharmacists and patients. Also, there were analyses of some drug use indicators.Result: PHC units has important role in providing health care in Egypt. The females were the most users. As regard the prescribing behavior of physicians there was unsatisfactory explanation of treatment, side effects, dealing with side effects. Also, there was poor prescribing behavior of pharmacists. The main problem was unavailability of drugs regarding amounts and types which forced patient to buy drugs from outside the unit and this was unsuitable for the low socioeconomic status of users.Conclusion and recommendation: The administrative authorities should ensure drugs availability within primary health care facilities in Sharkia Governorate.It is essential to extend the study by using drug use indicators to cover other PHC units and hospitals in the governorate for investigation of drug utilization and throughout the country as it is considered a standard method for assessment of drug use pattern. Training is a vital intervention to change the behavior of prescribers and improve drug use practices.KEY WORDS: Primary health care, Prescribing, Rational drug use, Essential drugs,Drug use indicators.