Cost analysis and drug utilization pattern in diabetic patients attending outpatient at tertiary care teaching hospital in South Gujarat

Abstract Context: Diabetes is a global health concern, and effective glycemic control relies on the rational use of antidiabetic agents, which can be evaluated through drug utilization studies to ensure cost-effective pharmacotherapy. Aims: The aim of the study was to analyze the costs and drug utilization pattern in diabetic patients with the objectives of direct cost analysis of drugs, indirect cost analysis, and cost index. Measurement of WHO prescribing core indicators, patient care indicators, and facility indicators, prescribed daily dose (PDD)/defined daily dose (DDD) ratio. Settings and Design: Participants were recruited from the Non-communicable disease and medicine OPD, and the study design was cross-sectional, observational, according to STROBE guidelines. Subjects and Methods: The study began after institutional review board approval, with data collected from 250 participants following informed consent. A total of 1500 prescriptions were analyzed using appropriate parameters for cost analysis and WHO core drug use indicators. Drugs were categorized under anatomical, therapeutic, and chemical/DDD system, and the PDD/DDD ratio was calculated. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive statistics in Microsoft Excel 2021. Results: The study results found that the hospital covered most costs (481.1 INR per encounter), while participants bore 102.1 INR for anti-diabetic drugs and 234.35 INR in indirect costs monthly. An average of 2.68 antidiabetic drugs per prescription, with 95.60% prescribed by generic name and 33.46% involving injections. Metformin was the most prescribed drug (88.1%). A total of 12 drugs had a PDD/DDD ratio of 1. Conclusions: The study met WHO prescribing, patient care, and facility indicators, adherence to guidelines, and key drugs dispensed from the hospital pharmacy, reducing direct costs to the hospital pharmacy and participants.