A STUDY COMPARING DRUG CHOICES AND PRESCRIPTION PATTERNS AMONGST FINAL YEAR STUDENTS AND HOUSE OFFICERS IN KARACHI

Abstract

A Cross Sectional survey in May 2016, was used to compare drug choices and prescribing patterns of two supervised levels selected from four dental teaching institutes in Karachi. A pre-tested questionnaire with six close-ended questions was distributed to 190 Final Year Students and House Officers. The response rate was 82%. Responses were stored in excel sheets. Using a random sampling technique, responses of 138 Final Year Students and House Officers were taken and analyzed by SPSS software.

Results showed similarities amongst the Final Year Students and House officers. Most Final Year Students (59.4%) and House Officers (58%) prescribed drugs for pain. Both Students (71%) and House Officers (69.6%) advised measures and gave supportive medication.

Evident differences were observed in the choice of Non-Steroidal Anti -inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and Antibiotics. Paracetamol was the choice of NSAID by 66.7% Final Year Students and 30.4% House Officers. Noticeably, 17.4% of Final Year Students chose Ibuprofen as compared to 39.1% of House Officers.

The data showed a contrast in choice of antibiotics when 11.6% of Final Year students and 1.4% of House Officers gave Metronidazole. Amoxicillin was prescribed by 37.7% students and 21.7% House Officers. Antibiotics were given in a combination by 44.9% Students, compared to 66% House Officers.

When choosing drugs, Final Year Students (53.6%) and House Officers (56.5%), both depended upon information from their Professors. An indication for improved training was revealed, when a considerable proportion of Final Year Students (26.6%) said, that their choice was influenced by Medical Representatives and 7.2% of them, depended on suggestions from friends or colleagues.