Evaluation of prescription indicators in children under 5 years old at the Ranérou health center in 2018

Abstract

Introduction: In Senegal, the use of medicines in primary health care services is poorly documented. The aim of this study was to assess prescribing indicators in children under five years of age. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the health centre of Ranérou heath district in northern Senegal. The study population consisted of outpatient prescriptions seen between January and June 2018. Data were collected using the consultation register. Results: A total of 785 prescriptions were included. The mean number of medicines per prescription was 2.6±0.9 (norm: <2). The proportions of medicines prescribed under international non-proprietary names and according to the national list of essential medicines were estimated at 39.2% (norm: 100%) and 78.2% (norm: 100%) respectively. In addition, at least one antibiotic and at least one injectable product were prescribed in 59.9% (standard: <30%) and 1.1% (standard: <10%) of cases respectively. Children suffering from moderate acute malnutrition are twice as likely to receive more than three drugs compared with their counterparts with good nutritional status. Similarly, children with severe acute malnutrition were 18 times more likely to be prescribed antibiotics. On the other hand, this risk fell by 40% in the case of moderate acute malnutrition. Conclusion: This study showed that, apart from the use of injections, prescribing indicators do not comply with WHO standards. There is an urgent need to put in place interventions for the proper use of medicines.