Investigation of drug-related problems (DRPs) in type 2 diabetes mellitus outpatients at district hospital’s internal clinic at Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam

Abstract

Introduction: Drug-related problems (DRPs) are prevalent among outpatients and may lead to suboptimal treatment outcomes. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasingly common and poses significant challenges to global health and the economy. Patients with T2DM have multiple risk factors for DRPs. This study aimed to determine the types, frequency, and associated factors of DRPs in prescriptions for T2DM outpatients.

Materials and methods: A retrospective study was conducted to collect prescriptions of T2DM outpatients at District hospital’s internal clinic at Ho Chi Minh city, from October 1st to December 31st, 2022. DRPs were determined using the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe (PCNE) classification, version 9.1. Factors associated with DRPs were analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression model.

Results: A total of 380 prescriptions were included in the analysis. The mean age of the patients was 62.4 years (± 10.4). More than half of the patients were female (59.7%). In total, 636 drug-related problems (DRPs) were identified, with 82.4% of patients experiencing at least one DRP, averaging 1.68 ± 1.38 problems per patient. The most common prevalent DRP was related to dose timing, accounting for 78.9% of the cases. (78.9%). Other types of DRPs were observed at lower frequencies. The drug classes most commonly associated with DRPs were anti-diabetic agents (A10) and cardiac therapy (C01). Polypharmacy, defined as the presence of five or more concurrent medications, was significantly associated with the occurrence of DRPs (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The proportion of prescriptions with DRP in this study setting was quite notably high. Early identification of the types of DRPs along with related associated factors, is essential. Providing physicians with information about common DRPs may aid in preventing these issues in outpatients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).