Journal of Research in Pharmacy Practice最新文献

{"title":"Effect of Ultra-low-dose Naloxone on Ileus after Cesarean Section: A Randomized Clinical Trial.","authors":"Afshin Gholipour Baradari, Atefeh Hadian, Seyyed Javad Boskabadi, Masoumeh Sohrabi, Fatemeh Heydari, Abbas Alipour, Seyed Abdollah Emadi","doi":"10.4103/jrpp.jrpp_75_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jrpp.jrpp_75_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Postoperative ileus commonly occurs after abdominal surgeries, often leading to longer hospital stays. While intravenous opioids are effective for pain management, they can extend ileus duration. Ultra-low-dose naloxone presents a promising strategy to improve pain control and minimize side effects. This study examines how ultra-low-dose naloxone impacts ileus after cesarean section.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Seventy participants were randomly divided into two groups: 35 patients in the intervention group received a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump with 30 mg of morphine, 0.25 μg/kg/h of naloxone, and saline, whereas 35 patients in the control group received morphine and saline only. Patients assessed their pain, nausea, and pruritus using a 0-10-point Visual Analog Scale upon arrival at the recovery room and then at 30 min, 60 min, 90 min, 120 min, 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h after surgery. We recorded the duration of ileus, time to tolerate liquids and solids, discharge timing, and analgesic consumption.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>The control group (<i>n</i> = 35) experienced longer ileus duration (<i>P</i> < 0.001), greater pain severity (<i>P</i> = 0.02), and higher levels of nausea (<i>P</i> = 0.04) and pruritus (<i>P</i> = 0.02) compared to the intervention group (<i>n</i> = 34). Liquid tolerance time was also significantly longer in the control group (<i>P</i> = 0.006). There were no significant differences between the groups in solids tolerance time, opioid use, or hospital stay.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Ultra-low-dose naloxone can effectively reduce postoperative ileus, improve opioid analgesia, and decrease side effects such as pruritus and nausea.</p>","PeriodicalId":17158,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Research in Pharmacy Practice","volume":"15 1","pages":"11"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2026-02-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13067966/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147674442","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Patients' Needs and Expectations for the Application of Prevention of Drug-related Problems Prevention Programs.","authors":"Ainhoa Vilarrubias Llopis, Jesús Ruiz-Ramos, Adrián Plaza Díaz, Mireia Puig Campmany, Anna Buisan Álvarez, Caterina Sampol-Mayol, Ana Juanes-Borrego","doi":"10.4103/jrpp.jrpp_32_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jrpp.jrpp_32_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Drug-related problems (DRPs) constitute a relevant health issue with a significant and escalating impact. The objective of this study is to identify the needs and expectations of patients benefiting from secondary prevention programs for DRPs in an emergency department.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A 7-month prospective study was conducted. Three participatory sessions were held with professionals from different healthcare levels, along with individual interviews conducted with patients and their caregivers and healthcare professionals involved. The concepts around which the analysis was centered on the journey maps of each user of a secondary prevention program of DRPs and the problems, needs, and opportunities for improvement in various scenarios, including primary care, hospitals, residences, intermediate care, and community pharmacies.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>A total of 40 interviews were conducted to define the scenarios in which the patient can travel in the healthcare environment. Patients identified problems after hospital discharge, expressing the desire to have more time with the healthcare professional to comprehend, and integrate the information about their treatment. Similarly, difficulties arose in resolving doubts because there was no contact person available after discharge. The healthcare settings of primary care and community pharmacy play important roles in instilling confidence in users.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Patients engaging in DRP's prevention programs require a redefined healthcare team to manage their medications. This team should have clearly defined roles among professionals and implement a follow-up and reinforcement program to personalize treatment adjusting medication (medication changes), educating patients through guidelines to enhance patient's adherence.</p>","PeriodicalId":17158,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Research in Pharmacy Practice","volume":"15 1","pages":"9"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2026-02-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13067957/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147674426","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Systematic Review of Bortezomib-based Desensitization Therapy in Sensitized Kidney Transplant Candidates: Efficacy, Safety, and Clinical Outcomes.","authors":"Mojgan Mortazavi, Zahra Iravani, Rasool Nouri, Marjan Mansourian","doi":"10.4103/jrpp.jrpp_62_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jrpp.jrpp_62_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Highly sensitized kidney transplant candidates, those with high levels of antihuman leukocyte antigens antibodies, are at increased risk of antibody-mediated graft rejection. The goal of desensitization therapy is to reduce alloantibody titers and increase the chance and success of transplantation. The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib, which acts against plasma cells, has been reported to be an effective agent in this setting. This systematic review evaluates the efficacy and safety of bortezomib-based desensitization regimens in sensitized kidney transplant recipients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic search of various databases was conducted between January 2005 and July 2025. Studies that considered sensitized kidney transplant candidates treated with bortezomib-based desensitization were included, and outcomes included reduction in donor-specific antibodies (DSA), engraftment rate, graft rejection, and adverse events.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>A total of 21 studies involving about 185 patients were included, comprising 11 case reports, 6 case series, and 4 clinical trials or prospective studies. Overall graft success rate was 87% rejection-free outcomes 76% and no more adverse events in 81%. While most studies showed significant DSA reduction, one reported limited effectiveness. Bortezomib was generally well-tolerated, with no major adverse events in approximately 81% of studies. Mild neuropathy was noted in some cases, and treatment discontinuation occurred in 20% of patients in one trial.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>It can be concluded that bortezomib-based therapies are a potentially effective and well-tolerated option for desensitization and treatment of antibody-mediated rejection in kidney transplant candidates.</p>","PeriodicalId":17158,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Research in Pharmacy Practice","volume":"15 1","pages":"13"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2026-02-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13067956/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147674540","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Anesthetic Approaches in Obese Patients: A Pilot Study Comparing the Impact of Desflurane versus Propofol on IL 6 Levels in Bariatric Surgery.","authors":"Sukriti Jha, Puneet Khanna, Lokesh Kashyap, M Ashwin, Sandeep Aggarwal, Lata Singh, Virender Kumar Mohan, Dilip Shende","doi":"10.4103/jrpp.jrpp_45_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jrpp.jrpp_45_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Anesthetic and surgical stress may complicate the delicate immune state of obese patients. The immunomodulatory potential of anesthetics may play a role in minimizing complications. This study evaluates desflurane versus total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) with propofol on surgical stress response in patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery, comparing interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels as a marker of neuroendocrine stress response between groups.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Thirty adult patients aged 18-75 years, who underwent laparoscopic bariatric surgery, were studied in this prospective, randomized, single-blinded pilot study. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either desflurane (Group D) or propofol (Group P) anesthesia. Blood samples were collected after induction and extubation for the IL-6 assay. The investigator analyzing IL-6 levels was blinded to group allocations.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>IL-6 increase was not significantly different between patients receiving desflurane or propofol. The choice of surgical procedure and its duration significantly impacted the inflammatory response. Other recovery parameters and adverse events did not differ significantly between the groups, except for nausea which was higher in the desflurane group.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Both desflurane and TIVA with propofol are viable options for managing anesthesia in obese patients, with each having distinct advantages.</p>","PeriodicalId":17158,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Research in Pharmacy Practice","volume":"15 1","pages":"10-16"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12945365/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147326530","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Medication Use Patterns, Polypharmacy, and Potentially Inappropriate Medications among Institutionalized Older Adults in East Coast Malaysia: A Cross-sectional Study.","authors":"Azlini Ismail, Basma Ezzat Mustafa, Farah Natashah Mohd, Muhd Firdaus Che Musa, Nazih Shaban Mustafa, Khairani Idah Mokhtar, Yunita Dewi Ardini, Omar Abdul Jabbar Abdul Qader","doi":"10.4103/jrpp.jrpp_83_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jrpp.jrpp_83_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Older adults need comprehensive healthcare with particular attention to medication management to prevent drug-related problems while ensuring optimal therapeutic outcomes. This study aims to assess the pattern of medication use, prevalence of polypharmacy, and the use of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) based on the 2023 American Geriatrics Society Updated Beers Criteria^®.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study gathered demographic and medication use data from older adults (<i>n</i> = 73) at an institutional care facility in East Coast Malaysia, who met the inclusion criterion of taking at least one medication. Patterns of medication use, prevalence of polypharmacy, and PIM use were examined descriptively, while their associations with demographic characteristics were analyzed using IBM SPSS^® Version 26 software.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>The mean age of this population was 72 ± 9.07 years, with the majority being Malays (83.6%), males (50.7%), Muslims (86.3%), single (53.4%), bedbound (75.3%), and they were dependent on caretakers for their daily activities (75.3%). Polypharmacy occurred in approximately one-fifth of the population (21.9%). The most commonly prescribed medications were lipid-modifying agents and antihypertensives, followed by antiplatelet agents, anti-diabetic agents, and Vitamin B and iron supplements. Identified PIMs include prazosin, colchicine, lorazepam, and chlorpromazine, each prescribed to a minority of residents.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The prevalence of polypharmacy in this study was moderate, reflecting the need for continued attention to medication management among institutionalized older adults. Despite the low prevalence of PIM, regular monitoring remains essential to minimize adverse drug reactions and improve the quality of care for this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":17158,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Research in Pharmacy Practice","volume":"15 1","pages":"26-32"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12945387/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147326619","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of the Benefits of a Pharmacist-led Educational Program on Achievement of Intra-ocular Pressure Target among Patients with Open Angle Glaucoma: A Qusai-experimental Study.","authors":"Duaa Raad Sadiq, Ehab Mudher Mikhael, Ameer Maarouf Mansour","doi":"10.4103/jrpp.jrpp_64_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jrpp.jrpp_64_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To evaluate the effectiveness of a pharmacist-led educational program in achieving intraocular pressure (IOP) target, as well as in improving adherence and proficiency in eye drop administration techniques among glaucoma patients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This qusai experimental study was conducted at Ibn Al-Haytham Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq, including 94 adult patients diagnosed with primary open angle glaucoma. The intervention involved an educational program designed according to the Health Belief Model, focusing on enhancing glaucoma awareness, proper eye drop administration techniques, and strategies for improving adherence to therapy. Participants engaged in a 30-40 min individualized session, supplemented by educational materials. Data on IOP, adherence using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-4, and administration techniques were collected pre- and post-intervention.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>A marked improvement was detected; adherence rates increased significantly from 2.86% to 11.43%, and the accuracy of drop administration improved from 14.29% to 57.14%. In addition, 51.43% of patients were able to achieve their IOP targets after the educational intervention. Statistical analyses revealed these enhancements were significant (<i>P</i> < 0.001), with no demographic or clinical factors correlating with the efficacy of the program.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This pilot study underscores the critical role of pharmacist-led education for patients with primary open-angle glaucoma in improving treatment outcomes, particularly in achieving IOP targets and therby reducing the risk of vision loss. Future research involving larger cohorts and longer follow-up is necessary to further validate these findings.</p>","PeriodicalId":17158,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Research in Pharmacy Practice","volume":"15 1","pages":"17-25"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12945386/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147326630","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of Delisting Non-Prescription Medicines from Health Insurance Coverage on Physicians' Prescribing Behaviour in Iran: A Qualitative Study.","authors":"Mohammad Mahdi Raeis Zadeh, Mehrnaz Borhani, Fatemeh Soleymani, Bahareh Yazdizadeh, Shekoufeh Nikfar","doi":"10.4103/jrpp.jrpp_53_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jrpp.jrpp_53_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>In June 2018, Iran's national health insurance policy excluded coverage for 79 nonprescription medicines (NPM) for outpatients aged over 12 years. Since physicians play a crucial role in healthcare delivery, this qualitative study explored how the delisting of NPM influenced their prescribing behavior and their perceptions of the policy.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with 22 physicians (16 general practitioners, 4 gynecologists, and 2 internists) from two socioeconomic areas in Tehran between June 2019 and March 2020. Thematic saturation was achieved after 17 interviews, with 5 additional interviews for validation. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clark's thematic analysis, with Lincoln and Guba's criteria ensuring trustworthiness.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Six key themes emerged: knowledge about NPM, insurance role, information gap, financial aspects, prescribing patterns, and patient responses. Physicians perceived NPM as affordable, safe, and difficult to replace. Some reported insufficient knowledge about alternative medications and their insurance coverage. Barriers to altering prescribing habits included the therapeutic advantage of NPM and the preference for clinical need over insurance. Most physicians viewed the policy as irresponsible, increasing the financial burden on low-income patients and even encouraging self-medication.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Delisting of NPM did not significantly impact physicians' prescribing behavior during the study period. While these findings indicate physicians' concern, further quantitative studies are required to ascertain the long-term impacts of such a policy on rational drug use, healthcare expenses, and outcomes for patients in Iran.</p>","PeriodicalId":17158,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Research in Pharmacy Practice","volume":"15 1","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12945357/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147326605","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Systematic Review of the Efficacy and Safety of Sirolimus (Rapamycin) in the Management of Infantile Hemangioma.","authors":"Bahareh Abtahi-Naeini, Fateme Ahmadinia, Fatemeh Ghorbali, Elaheh Foroughi","doi":"10.4103/jrpp.jrpp_58_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jrpp.jrpp_58_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The use of rapamycin (sirolimus) in the treatment of infantile hemangioma (IH) is a persistent challenge in dermatology. We aim to systematically review the efficacy and safety of rapamycin for IH treatment.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus for relevant English papers up to December 2024. After screening the full texts, eight studies met the inclusion criteria. The quality of the included articles was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. Detailed data about the effectiveness and safety of rapamycin in IH were collected.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>A total of 8 articles published between 2013 and 2021 were included, with 8 cases. The ages of the participants ranged from 3 weeks to 10 years. The most common dose of rapamycin used in these papers was 0.8 mg/m2 twice daily, with a range of 0.1 mg/m2 to 2 mg/m2 daily. Most patients had a response to rapamycin therapy (five out of eight patients). Two cases reported gastrointestinal adverse effects, whereas one developed severe, fatal hypoglycemia after angiography, which the authors considered the role that rapamycin in causing this complication to be unlikely.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Rapamycin can be a safe and efficient medication in the treatment of IH. Combination therapy, especially in patients resistant to treatment for IH, is a preferred choice for IH treatment and reduces the side effects of propranolol. It is also preferred for the treatment of lesions in the mucosal areas and near important organs.</p>","PeriodicalId":17158,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Research in Pharmacy Practice","volume":"14 4","pages":"127-133"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-11-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12684998/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145714786","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Community Pharmacy Dispensing Errors: A Comprehensive Systematic Review on Trends and Solutions.","authors":"Azadeh Eshraghi, Niloofar Madani, Hamidreza Aslani, Maryam Farasatinasab","doi":"10.4103/jrpp.jrpp_40_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jrpp.jrpp_40_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Dispensing errors in outpatient and community pharmacies pose significant safety risks and contribute to increased global healthcare costs. Despite their frequency, comprehensive studies on rates, causes, and interventions remain limited. This review examines current evidence on dispensing error prevalence, key risk factors, and the impact of mitigation strategies. Following PRISMA guidelines, we systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL for studies on dispensing error rates in community and outpatient pharmacies, covering the period from January 2010 to June 2025, including English-language studies and grey literature. Eligible studies reported calculable prevalence using cross-sectional, cohort, or longitudinal designs. Two reviewers independently assessed records, extracted data, and evaluated bias using the NHLBI and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) tools. In 22 studies (13 from developing, 9 from developed countries), dispensing error rates ranged from 0.001% to 11.53%, higher in community (mean 4.12%) than in outpatient pharmacies (1.85%). Common errors were wrong dose/ strength (58.6%) and look-/sound-alike drugs (47.90%). Key contributors were workload (55%), staff shortages (22%), and illegible prescriptions (30.70%). While one study reported a modest 1.40% decrease with electronic prescribing, another observed up to a 98.20% reduction using automated systems. GRADE evaluation found very low confidence in the data due to variability in study settings and methods. Dispensing errors remain a major issue, particularly in community pharmacies and underserved areas. Multimodal strategies - integrating technology, standardizing workflows, and training staff - represent a potentially effective approach to reducing errors. Although the certainty of the evidence is very low, the findings may still help guide future policies aimed at introducing error reporting systems, adopting technology, and improving consistency in research methods.</p>","PeriodicalId":17158,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Research in Pharmacy Practice","volume":"14 4","pages":"134-145"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-11-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12684999/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145714795","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Associations between Patients' Demographics and Chronic Medication Utilization in Internal Medicine: Cross-sectional Study.","authors":"Fatema Alrashed, Mohammad Shehab","doi":"10.4103/jrpp.jrpp_61_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jrpp.jrpp_61_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and hypertension (HTN) are the leading causes of global morbidity and mortality. Pharmacological management of these conditions is crucial. Demographic factors may affect medication utilization. Thus, our aim is to investigate associations between patients' demographics and chronic medication utilization.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted by reviewing electronic medical records of adult patients with at least one chronic condition. Data were collected over 12 months, from September 2023 to September 2024, across multiple internal medicine clinics within a secondary care hospital. Our principal outcome was the association between patients' demographics (age and gender) and chronic medication use. Data collected included demographic details, diagnoses, laboratory results, and prescribed medications. Chi-square test was used to evaluate associations between demographic variables and chronic medication classes.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>This study included 501 patients with different chronic diseases such as diabetes, HTN, and dyslipidemia. More than half of the cohort was females (54.1%). The mean age was 64 years. Significant age-related differences were observed across multiple medication classes including antihypertensives, lipid-lowering agents, and anticoagulants (<i>P</i> < 0.001). Gender differences were minimal, with the only significant association was found in the use of antiplatelets, which were prescribed more in males (<i>P</i> = 0.0001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study offers data about the relationship between chronic medication utilization and demographics. Age is a significant determinant of chronic medication prescribed in a secondary care setting, while gender has a more limited impact. Our findings can be instrumental in policy decisions and serve as a basis for future research.</p>","PeriodicalId":17158,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Research in Pharmacy Practice","volume":"14 4","pages":"146-151"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-11-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12685001/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145714862","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}