| Abstract: | ![]()
Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the prescribing of antimicrobials in a private primary healthcare setting in South Africa. Setting A group of private primary healthcare clinics in South Africa. Method A retrospective, drug utilisation study was conducted on nine clinics that were randomly selected from 33 clinics situated in different geographical areas of South Africa, and whose data were electronically available. Data were obtained from the central database of the private primary healthcare provider and extracted for the period January 1, to December 31, 2001. Key findings The study population consisted of the total patient population (n = 83 655) who visited the clinics during this one‐year period. The total number of medicine items prescribed was 515 976 at a total cost of R1 716 319 ($17 163). Of these, antimicrobials represented 18.69% (n = 96 421) of all medicine items prescribed at a cost of R1 045 108 ($10 451) (60.89%). Antimicrobials were prescribed during 72.72% of consultations at the nine clinics during the one‐year period. The antimicrobials most frequently prescribed were penicillins (38.17%) followed by sulphonamides (22.49%), antiprotozoals (9.88%) and tetracyclines (9.34%). The most common diagnoses for which antimicrobials were prescribed were viral influenza, upper respiratory tract infections, hypertension, acute bronchitis, and common cold. Conclusions The high percentage of antimicrobial prescribing obtained in this study could indicate excessive use of antimicrobials in the private primary healthcare setting. The prescribing of antimicrobials in respiratory tract infections could indicate overuse and inappropriate use of these agents. This could have an effect on the health of the patients needing care, and the general budget for healthcare services. It is recommended that further investigations on the prescribing protocols of antimicrobial usage be done. |
