1 research outputs found
Reducing therapeutic injection overuse through patients-prescribers Interaction Group Discussions in Kinondoni District, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Inappropriately prescription of injections has been reported in
developing and developed countries. Previous studies in Tanzania showed
that over 70% of patients attending out- patient clinics at private
dispensaries received at least one injection per consultation, a value
higher than WHO recommended target of 10%. This is of concern
considering the likelihood of adverse effects of possible use of unsafe
syringes to transmit HIV, hepatitis B and C, poliomyelitis and added
economic impact on the patient and the healthcare system. This study
aimed to investigate the impact of Interaction Group Discussion on
behavioural change on injection prescribing practices in ten selected
public dispensaries in Kinondoni District, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Patient records of injection prescriptions were obtained covering the
period three months prior to the study from 5 randomly selected control
and 5 randomly selected intervention facilities. At each health
facility IGDs were conducted for one month on mothers and prescribers
followed by a survey 3 months after IGD to determine the impact of
IGDs. Chi-square statistical calculations were made to compare data on
the percent of prescriptions with an injection prescribed and in those
conforming to national standard treatment guidelines (STG) between
baseline and 3 months follow up. Results showed no significant
difference between the percentage of prescriptions with an injection
prescribed at baseline and 3 months follow-up in public dispensaries
(P>0.05, Χ2 test). Prescribed injections that complied with STG
was low at baseline and did not significantly improve 3 months after
(P>0.05, Χ2 test). Comprehensive studies and sensitization of
compliance to STG by prescribers are recommended