Drug Therapy Problems in Patients with Type-2 Diabetes in a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria

Background: Patients with Type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are known to be at risk of drug therapy problems since they often receive multiple medications due to co-morbidities associated with the condition. This study assessed the prevalence of drug therapy problems and related factors in a population of diabetic patients in a tertiary hospital.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of randomly selected medical records of Type 2 diabetic patients was conducted from February to September, 2013. Data was collected and analyzed for demographics, clinical conditions (co-morbidity), types of medications used and medication complications.

Results: 399 patients with a total of 792 drug therapy problems were identified, averaging 2.1(± 1.4) problems per patient. There were more males (52.1%) than females (47.9%) diabetics. Mean age of the patients was 65(± 12.4) years, ranging from 35 to 91 years. 49(12.4%) of the patients experienced at least one episode of hypoglycemia. Non-adherence was the most common DTP at 26.7% while polypharmacy was identified as a major factor that contributed to DTP among the patients.

Conclusion: Findings suggest significant incidence of DTPs in the health facility indicating the need for comprehensive medication management approach which requires the use of pharmacists to play more active roles in managing patients with diabetes.