Research Article
Disease Profiles and Prescription Patterns of Patients of Orthopaedic Outpatient Department of Enam Medical College Hospital, Savar, Dhaka
Imamuzzaman M1*, Saleheen MMU2, Mukta KF3, Goni MO4, Saleh AZM5
1Dr. Muhammad Imamuzzaman, Registrar of Orthopaedic Surgery, Enam Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
2Dr. Md. Monir Us Saleheen, Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Enam Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
3Dr. Kanij Fatema Mukta, Kyrgyz State Medical Academy, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
4Dr. Mohammad Osman Goni, Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Enam Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
5Dr. Abu Zafar Md Saleh, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Enam Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
*Corresponding author: muhammadimamuzzamanreaz@gmail.com
Abstract
Background: Due to numerous reasons, there is a significant workload at the orthopaedic OPD. Due to diversity of disease pattern, physicians prescribed different drugs depending on the causes, which need to be evaluated regularly.
Methods: A descriptive type of cross-sectional study was conducted in Enam Medical College, Savar, Dhaka, over a period of 6 months that ended in April 2025, among the patients who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study location was selected by convenience sampling, while respondents were selected by simple random sampling. An interviewer-administered, pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection by the principal investigator and co-investigators. Data were analyzed anonymously by using SPSS with privacy and confidentiality.
Result: Majority 153(36.3%) of the current study respondents were between 40 to 60 years, while a significant number 218(51.6%) were female. More than one-third 141(33.4%) were housewives, 125(29.6%) were service holders, and 74(17.5%) were involved in farming and agricultural sectors. More than two-thirds 289(68.5%) were from rural areas, and a majority 284(67.3%) had no history of trauma. Of patients, 79(18.7%) had back pain, 57(13.5%) suffering from osteoarthritis, 61(14.5%) had fracture, 37(8.8%) diagnosed as tendinopathies, and 31(7.3%) had cervical spondylosis. Of patients, 146(34.6%) were suffering from associated comorbidities like diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and hypothyroidism. Almost cent 417(98.8%) had been treated with oral drugs, and 237(56.2%) had four to five drugs in their prescriptions, while all drugs were mentioned in brand name. Patients were mainly treated with NSAIDs, anti-ulcer drugs, multivitamins & minerals formulations, skeletal muscle relaxants, antibiotics, etc.
Conclusion: Patients attending in orthopaedic OPD were usually middle-aged people, while most of them were female. Considering occupation, a great proportion were housewives, service holders, and involved in farming and agricultural sectors. A majority were from rural areas and had no history of trauma. Most of them were suffering from back pain, osteoarthritis, fractures, and tendinopathies. At OPD, they were mainly treated with NSAIDs and skeletal muscle relaxants. In addition, anti-ulcer drugs, vitamins & minerals formulations or antibiotics etc. were adjuvant.
Keywords
Orthopaedics-OPD
NSAIDs and skeletal muscle relaxants.
1. INTRODUCTION
Patients attending the Orthopaedic Outpatient Department (OPD) often require prolonged treatment and follow-up because of the complex nature of musculoskeletal disorders. The pattern of diseases encountered in orthopaedic practice may vary according to geographical location, environmental conditions, and socioeconomic factors.¹ Environmental influences, including nutritional deficiencies such as low vitamin levels, can significantly affect the prevalence and pattern of musculoskeletal disorders within a population.²
Apart from geographical and environmental influences, lifestyle factors also play a crucial role in determining disease patterns. A recent study conducted in India reported that individuals leading a sedentary lifestyle were at a significantly higher risk of developing low back pain compared to physically active individuals. The same study also found that such individuals had approximately a 50% greater risk of developing multiple joint pains.³
Previous research conducted by Petridou E. and colleagues demonstrated that a substantial proportion of patients attending orthopaedic outpatient services suffered from multiple joint pain, low back pain, and trauma-related conditions.? Similarly, another study from India revealed that the majority of orthopaedic OPD attendees presented with complaints such as joint pain involving the back and neck, arthritis, osteoporosis, neuropathy, soft tissue injuries, and various other musculoskeletal disorders.?
Trauma remains another major reason for orthopaedic consultations. Trauma patients frequently present with associated injuries involving the head, chest, abdomen, genitourinary system, or pelvic organs, which may complicate management and recovery.? One of the distinguishing characteristics of orthopaedic practice compared with other medical specialties is the high prevalence of fractures involving different parts of the body. These conditions often require emergency intervention and extended periods of treatment for complete bone healing.
Unlike many other medical conditions, fractures can significantly restrict patients’ daily activities and adversely affect their occupational and social functioning. Consequently, musculoskeletal disorders impose a considerable burden on both individual patients and healthcare systems.???
The management of orthopaedic conditions frequently involves the use of several classes of medications. Studies have reported that Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), antibiotics, and anti-ulcer medications are among the most commonly prescribed drugs in orthopaedic outpatient settings.? In developing countries such as Bangladesh, where a substantial proportion of the population faces financial constraints, the cost of medical treatment may impose an additional economic burden on patients and their families.¹?
Therefore, rational prescribing practices are essential to ensure effective treatment while minimizing unnecessary healthcare expenditure. Inappropriate or excessive use of medications may increase treatment costs, contribute to therapeutic failure, and expose patients to avoidable adverse effects.¹¹ Monitoring prescription patterns in healthcare facilities is therefore important to evaluate the rational use of medicines and promote evidence-based clinical practice.
Drug utilization studies play a significant role in improving healthcare delivery by assessing prescribing trends and identifying areas requiring intervention. Evaluation of prescribing practices in different outpatient departments, particularly in orthopaedic settings, can provide valuable information regarding the quality of patient care and medication use.¹²
Rational drug use according to patients’ clinical needs is crucial for ensuring optimal therapeutic outcomes and maintaining an efficient healthcare supply chain by improving drug accessibility and availability.¹³?¹? Furthermore, prescription pattern analysis can increase physicians’ awareness regarding their prescribing habits and encourage more rational and cost-effective use of medicines in routine clinical practice.¹?
DOI:
324654-5646
ISSN: 1607-5854
