title: Current trends in treatment of obesity in Karachi and possibilities of cost minimization.
abstract: Our study finds out drug usage trends in over weight and obese patients without any compelling indications in Karachi, looks for deviations of current practices from evidence based antihypertensive therapeutic guidelines and identifies not only cost minimization opportunities but also communication strategies to improve patients' awareness and compliance to achieve therapeutic goal. In present study two sets were used. Randomized stratified independent surveys were conducted in hospital doctors and family physicians (general practitioners), using pretested questionnaires. Sample size was 100. Statistical analysis was conducted on Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Opportunities of cost minimization were also analyzed. One the basis of doctors' feedback, preference is given to non-pharmacologic management of obesity. Mass media campaign and media usage were recommended to increase patients awareness and patients' education along with strengthening family support systems was recommended for better compliance of the patients to doctor's advice. Local therapeutic guidelines for weight reduction were not found. Feedbacks showed that global therapeutic guidelines were followed by the doctors practicing in the community and hospitals in Karachi. However, high price branded drugs were used instead of low priced generic therapeutic equivalents. Patient's education is required for better awareness and improving patients' compliance. The doctors found preferring brand leaders instead of low cost options. This trend increases cost of therapy by 0.59 to 4.17 times. Therefore, there are great opportunities for cost minimization by using evidence-based clinically effective and safe medicines.
authors: Institute of Business Administration, IBA City Campus, Garden / Kiyani Shaheed Road, Karachi, Pakistan.
authors: Mirza Izhar
authors: MI
authors: Hussain
authors: Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan.
authors: Baqir Shyum
authors: BS
authors: Naqvi
mesh_terms: D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D031204:Caloric Restriction; D017046:Cost Savings; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003906:Developing Countries / Q000191:economics*; D016527:Drug Costs; D016568:Drugs, Generic / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019983:Guideline Adherence / Q000191:economics; D017048:Health Care Costs / Q000639:trends; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D009043:Motor Activity; D009765:Obesity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000191:economics* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D010154:Pakistan / Q000453:epidemiology; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000191:economics; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000191:economics* / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014504:Urban Health / Q000191:economics* / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends
chemical_list: D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents; D016568:Drugs, Generic