ASSESSMENT OF PATIENTS' KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THEIR DISPENSED MEDICINES AT THE OUTPATIENT DEPARTMENT PHARMACY IN KAYUNGA REGIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Background: 

The objectives of the study were to assess the level of patient knowledge in terms of dosage, duration of treatment, and the purpose of their prescribed medication after dispensing by the dispenser at the OPD pharmacy at KRRH. To examine the mean dispensing time at KRRH OPD pharmacy and identify how dispensing time influences the level of patients' knowledge about their dispensed medicines. To find out the effects of other factors (such as; gender, age, education level, and perceived language clarity) on the level of their dispensed medicines

Methodology:

The study employed a quantitative cross-sectional study design. A quantitative data collection method was employed where respondents were selected using a convenience sampling technique and were interviewed using a structured questionnaire and a watch was used for measuring mean dispensing time. A sample of 70 respondents was obtained using Burton's formula.

Results:

Out of the total 70 participants, 57(81.4%) had good knowledge of their dispensed medications. Patients with higher educational levels had increased knowledge of dispensed medication than those with no formal education. Also having a clear perceived language increased the patients' knowledge of their dispensed medicines

The mean dispensing time was found to be 52.67seconds which was less than that recommended by the WHO as ≥90 seconds per patient

Conclusions:

There's generally good patient knowledge towards their dispensed medicines. The level of education and perceived language clarity of the patients are good predictors of the patient's knowledge of their medication together with dispensing time per patient.

Recommendations:

The MoH should recruit better trained pharmacy staff to allow more time for patient-dispenser interaction. Dispensers should always check for patients' understanding of their dispensed medicines before they leave the dispensing area. There should also be continuous education and training of dispensers on appropriate labeling and patient teaching about their dispensed medicines.