Identification and resolution of drug-related problems among diabetic patients attending a referral hospital: a prospective observational study

Abstract

Background: People living with diabetes are more vulnerable to drug-related problems due to the presence of multiple diseases. This study aimed to identify drug-related problems and contributing factors among diabetic patients. Methods: This study used a prospective observational study design. The study was conducted among diabetic patients during follow-up at Mettu Karl Referral Hospital from 15 April to 09 August 2019. The consecutive sampling was utilized to collect data. The identification of drug-related problems was performed using the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe version 8.03. Following data collection, data were entered into Epidata manager version 4.4.2 and exported to the SPSS version 24.0 for analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to identify predictors of drug-related problems. Results: A total of 330 people with diabetes were included in the study, among whom 279 (84.5%) had at least one drug-related problem. A total of 455 drug-related problems were identified. Effects of drug treatment not being optimal (52.7%) and untreated symptoms or indications (30.1%) were the most commonly identified drug-related problems. About 865 interventions were provided for identified drug-related problems and 79.8% was accepted. Diabetes duration ≥ 7 years [AOR = 2.02; 95% CI (1.06, 3.85); p = 0.033] and the presence of comorbidity [AOR: 2.33; 95% CI (1.18, 4.60); p = 0.015] were factors identified as predictors of drug-related problems. Conclusion: The present study identified that drug-related problems are common among diabetic patients. Effects of drug treatment not being optimal and untreated symptoms or indications were the most commonly identified drug-related problems. Longer diabetes duration and the presence of comorbidities were predictors of drug-related problems.