Improving rational drug use in Africa: the example of Sudan.
The aim of this review is to determine the extent of irrational drug use and contributing factors in Sudan and to identify the interventions that need to be strengthened to promote the rational use of drugs in the country and to evaluate the impact of different types of intervention. We present an overview of studies describing patterns of drug prescribing, dispensing and self-medication. Rates for inappropriate prescribing and dispensing practices and prevalence of self-medication with antimicrobials and herbal products were alarmingly high. Indicators of rational drug use have worsened over the past decade despite the implementation of managerial, regulatory and training interventions. Multifaceted interventions have proved effective in changing suboptimal prescribing practices. Educational interventions are needed to address self-medication and adherence.
Awad
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Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Kuwait. amoneim@hsc.edu.kw
Ball
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Eltayeb
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D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011307:Drug Prescriptions / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017723:Drug Utilization Review; D018954:Drugs, Essential / Q000600:supply & distribution / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006287:Health Planning Guidelines; D006291:Health Policy; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008508:Medication Errors / Q000379:methods / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D018579:Patient Selection; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012651:Self Medication / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013397:Sudan; D017749:Total Quality Management / Q000458:organization & administration*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D018954:Drugs, Essential