Evaluation of drug prescription pattern by physicians in comparison with W.H.O indicators, in West Azerbaijan province. From 2013 to 2016

Background: Irrational use of drugs can cause serious problems. There is no comprehensive study in this setting in West Azerbaijan province. The aim of this study was to evaluate drug prescription pattern by specialists and general physicians in comparison with W.H.O indicators from March 2013 to March 2016. Methods: Prescriptions data of general physicians (GP), ENT, Internal, General Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatric, Cardiology, Neurology, Infectious disease, Orthopedic and Urology specialists were obtained using Rx-analyzer software. A dedicated computer application. World Health Organization prescription indicators were used to evaluate the physicians’ prescribing behavior. Data expressed in the form of number, Average and percentage. Results: The average of drugs per counter was 2.93. ENT specialists prescribed antibiotic more than others (67.67%) and orthopedics injectable drugs and corticosteroids (54.66% and 69.62% respectively). GP prescribed more than four drugs in 19.31% of counters that was higher than specialist physicians. All of the studied indicators were higher than the WHO recommendations. Conclusion: The GP and the specialists prescribe more drugs in comparison with the WHO standards. They use antibiotics and other injectable drugs extensively and use corticosteroids without indication. It seems that conducting training programs for physicians, especially about the importance of antibiotics, should be prioritized through retraining programs.