Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management (Jun 2022)
Management Practice and Drug Related Problems and Its Contributing Factors Among Cervical Cancer Patients at Oncologic Center in Ethiopia: A Hospital-Based Retrospective Study
Abstract
Belayneh Kefale,1 Melaku Tadege Engidaw,2 Desalegn Tesfa,2 Mulugeta Molla,3 Malede Berihun Yismaw1 1Clinical Pharmacy Unit and Research Team, Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Amhara, Ethiopia; 2Department of Social and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Amhara, Ethiopia; 3Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Amhara, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Belayneh Kefale, Clinical Pharmacy and Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Amhara, Ethiopia, Email [email protected]: In cervical cancer therapy, there is a high prevalence of drug-related problems (DRPs) due to the high toxicity and complexity of most antineoplastic regimens. However, there is a paucity of data about DRPs among patients with cervical cancer in Ethiopia. Hence, the present study was aimed at investigating management practices and DRPs among patients diagnosed with cervical cancer.Methods: A registry-based retrospective cohort study was employed among cervical cancer patients at the oncology center of Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (FHCSH). All patients with a histologically confirmed diagnosis of cervical cancer from January 2016 to December 2020 were included. Relevant information was recorded by reviewing medical records. The possibility of DRPs was evaluated by comparing with standard guidelines. Logistic regression analysis was employed.Results: A total of 184 cervical cancer patients were included, with a mean age of 50.2± 10.7 years. A total of 216 DRPs were identified from 93 cervical cancer patients, translating to a prevalence of 50.5% and a mean of 2.32± 1.11 DRPs per patient. ADR (27.3%), DDI (25%), and the need for additional drug therapy (22.2%) were the most prevalent DRPs. DRPs were associated with the presence of co-morbidity (AOR = 4.23, 95% CI = 1.78– 10.05, p = 0.001), complications (AOR = 2.99, 95% CI = 1.28– 6.99, p = 0.011), being treated with ≥ 5 medications (AOR = 5.1, 95% CI = 2.38– 10.95, p < 0.001), being stage II (AOR = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.02– 0.90, p = 0.038), and stage III (AOR = 0.04, 95% CI = 0.01– 0.32, p = 0.003).Conclusion: Cisplatin-based chemotherapy was the frequently used therapeutic option. Co-morbidity and complication status, number of medication and stage of cancer were significantly associated with DRPs. The study highlights the need of clinical pharmacy services to optimize drug therapy and reduce DRPs.Keywords: drug-related problems, cervical cancer, Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia
