An assessment of aspirin use in a Nigerian diabetes outpatient clinic.
BACKGROUND
We have conducted this study to assess the use of aspirin among adult diabetic outpatients in our hospital.


METHODS
The records of all patients attending the weekly Diabetes clinic of the Wesley Guild Hospital (WGH), Ilesa, Osun state, Nigeria over one month were reviewed and aspirin use evaluated in light of the American Diabetes Association position statement (2003) on aspirin therapy in diabetes.


RESULTS
Eighty-two patients in all were studied. Fourty three (52.4%) were males, 39 (47.6%) were females. Their mean age was 59.1 +/- 10.7 yrs (range 31-81). All were type 2 and had been diabetic for a mean of 5.2 +/- 5.7 yrs (1-26yrs). Concurrent hypertension, another major risk factor for cardiovascular disease was found in 71.9% and 12.2% were obese. Aspirin use was contraindicated in 1.2%. All other patients had at least one indication for the use of aspirin based on the ADA criteria but only 39% were taking aspirin regularly.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this present study suggest that aspirin is still grossly under utilised in clinic patients with diabetes despite proven benefits. There is need to stimulate awareness amongst health care providers.
Kolawole
B A
BA
Department of Medicine, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
Adebayo
R A
RA
Aloba
O O
OO
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001241:Aspirin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003925:Diabetic Angiopathies / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D001241:Aspirin