Availability and Types of Pressure Ulcer Medications at Community Pharmacies in the Accra Metropolis of Ghana

Abstract

Pressure ulcers (PU) arise from prolonged pressure on the skin and underlying tissue due to pathological changes in blood flow. They usually develop in people who are immobilized due to certain medical conditions. The incidence of chronic diseases such as cancer, cardio-vascular diseases are on the ascendency. These conditions, if not managed adequately could render patients incapacitated, leaving them bedridden for long periods. The chances of these individuals developing PU are very high. Currently in Ghana, information on medications for the management of various stages of PU are not readily available. Prevention of PU has been the goal of nursing care, however, in the case where preventive care is not successful, there should be effective and efficient medications for the management of the PU. Method: The study was cross-sectional. A stratified sampling approach was used to select pharmacies from each town within the ten districts of the Accra Metropolis. Respondents enrolled into the study were Pharmacists working at the selected pharmacies. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Results: 241 pharmacies were visited, out of which 192 respondents took part in the study. Approximately 83.3% of these pharmacies had pressure ulcer medications. Patronage of PU medications in the Accra metropolis is average, however, the medications listed by respondents had other indications other than PU. There were a lot more hydrophobic based dressings than hydrophilic-based dressings. Conclusion: There are pressure ulcer medications available in pharmacies within the Accra metropolis of Ghana. Although the medications are averagely patronized, there are not many types available. Hydrophilic based dressings were not readily available.

Keywords

• Pressure Ulcer
• Hydrophilic-based dressings
• Hydrophobic-based dressings