Prevalence and Patterns of Non-Doctor Prescription Practices in Urban Field Practice Area of Dharwad

Background: The dearth of quality of care in many tribal and remote rural areas of the country has led to non-doctor prescription practices. Non-qualified personnel prescribing can result in drug resistance and wrong use of drugs. Objective: To estimate the prevalence and patterns of non-doctor prescription practices in Urban field practice area of SDMCMSH, Dharwad Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among adults of urban field practice area, SDMCMSH, Dharwad. An estimated sample size of 335 was selected using systematic random sampling. All eligible subjects were interviewed through pre-tested questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of non-doctor prescription practices was 42 (12.5%). Herbal practitioners 16 (38.09%) and nurses 12 (28.57%) were major non-doctors prescribing in community. Faith 13 (30.95%) and easy accessibility 7 (16.66%) were the reasons for consulting non-doctor. Conclusion: Around one in ten adults seek non-doctor for consultation. Herbal remedies were also prescribed along with allopathic medicine. Non-accessibility and non-availability of qualified doctors can increase this practice in near future.