[Prescription and drug expenditure in gynecology and obstetrics in Northwest medical units from IMSS].
BACKGROUND
Drug prescription is the most frequent medical intervention in Gynecology and Obstetrics; however, studies of prescription profile are limited. In this study, we analyzed differences of expense by drug prescription for gynecologic and obstetrics health problems.


METHODS
It was performed a cross sectional study for one year analysis in each medical area that shape IMSS western district. We calculated spending and consumption coefficients for each drug and therapeutic groups. User coefficients were ordered to compare consumption differences. Besides the statistical ratio of consumption between drugs groups, we described the differences found and analyzed the prescription profile among medical regions.


RESULTS
Data related to the expenses in each one of the regions show important differences in each one of the drugs and therapeutic groups. The most common expense for drugs is related to the treatment of osteoporosis, menopause and fertility problems. We also found differences in prescription drug preferences in each therapeutic subgroup.


CONCLUSIONS
Drug prescription studies are useful as a basis for further specific studies in each pharmacologic subgroup. There are few studies that analyze the drug prescription profile on Gynecology and Obstetrics. In this study it is possible to suppose that medical prescription was not based on known medical evidences; therefore, we must reconsider the need of a permanent actualization and systematic medical evaluation.
Torres Gómez
Luis Guillermo
LG
Departamento de Embarazo de Alto Riesgo, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad, Hospital de Gineco-Obstetricia, CMNO, IMSS. memotg1@cybercable.net.mx
Canales Muñoz
José Luis
JL
D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D016527:Drug Costs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011307:Drug Prescriptions / Q000191:economics* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006176:Gynecology; D006801:Humans; D008800:Mexico; D009774:Obstetrics; D012943:Social Security / Q000706:statistics & numerical data