Patient Knowledge of Correct Dosage Regimen; The Need for Good Dispensing Practice

Background: The inappropriate use of medicine is a widespread problem, especially in developing countries. Proper dispensing practices as part of medication therapy increase benefits and minimize risks to the consumers. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess patient knowledge of dosage regimen and the pharmacists dispensing practice. Method: A cross-sectional study design was conducted at Jimma Medical Center from March 1, 2018 to April 29, 2018. Data were collected prospectively using checklists and structured questionnaires. Results: Of the total prescribed drugs, 689 (74.25%) were actually dispensed, and 239 (34.7%) drugs were adequately labeled. The average dispensing and consultation times were 41.45 +/- 12.1 and 49.13 +/- 12 seconds, respectively. Of the total participants on exit interview, 267 (74.8%) correctly reported the dosage schedule of dispensed medicines. From the multivariate logistics regression analysis, language barrier (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 32.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 12.23-87.15), severity of health condition (AOR = 7.3, 95% CI = 2.70-19.56), and the number of drugs dispensed (AOR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.18-0.87 [1 drug], AOR = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.61-0.42 [2 drugs]) have shown significant association with patient knowledge of dosage regimen. Conclusions: Majority of the patients did not receive the prescribed medicines from the outpatient pharmacy of Jimma Medical Center. Plus, only a few of the dispensed drugs contain all the necessary information. However, a large portion of the participants correctly reported the dosage schedule of their drugs.