Assessment of Drug Therapy Problems Among Patients with Cardiovascular Disease in the Medical Ward and at the Ambulatory Clinic of Hiwot-Fana Specialized University Hospital 2022

Background: Cardiovascular diseases remain the most significant cause of death worldwide. A World Health Organization Report (WHO) (2011) estimated that 17.1 million people die of cardiovascular disease (CVD) each year, representing 30% of all deaths. Of this, about 7.3 million are due to coronary heart disease, and 6.2 million people are dying from CVD, mainly from heart disease and stroke, which are projected to remain the single leading cause of death. Objective: This Study aimed to assess drug therapy problems among hospitalized and follow-up patients with cardiovascular diseases at Hiwot-Fana Specialized University Hospital. Methods: The Study was cross-sectional. The study included all patients who met the inclusion criteria, was admitted with cardiovascular disorders to the internal medicine ward between March 1 and March 30, 2022, and had follow-ups at an ambulatory clinic at HFSUH. A systematic questionnaire was used to gather information on sociodemographic factors, family history, working diagnosis, pertinent laboratory data, current drugs, drug therapy issues, compelling agents, vital signs, etc. Data collecting forms were completed by reviewing patient cards and conducting patient interviews. SPSS for Windows version 20 was used to analyze the data. Data analysis and any potential correlation between variables were done using binary logistics, regression, and descriptive statistics. Results: Of 216 study participants, 131 (60.65%) had DTPs. From the seven classes of DTPs studied, 16 (12.2%) cases related to unnecessary drug therapy, 76 (58%) need additional drug therapy, 9 (6.9%) cases related to ineffective drug products, 14 (10.7%) cases related to inappropriate dose and 16(12.2%) cases related to Noncompliance. Ineffective drug products in 9 (6.9%) cases were the least prevalent DTP. Independent factors that predicted the occurrence of DTPs in the study population were sex, age, family history, and social drug use. Conclusion: Drug therapy issues were generally prevalent among patients who were followed up at ambulatory clinics and admitted to internal medicine. In approximately 216 individuals, 131 drug therapy issues were found; extra drug therapy is responsible for 58% of all DTPs. The two most prevalent drug therapy issues, Noncompliance and unnecessary drug therapy, accounted for 12.2 and 12.2% of all DTPs, respectively. The overall prevalence of DTPs in this Study was 60.65%, which calls for extra care and collaboration from medical professionals to address this issue.