Analysis of Drug Prescribing Patterns for Pregnant Women Based on WHO Prescribing Indicators at Tungkal Ilir Public Health Center

Abstract

During pregnancy, women often experience health problems requiring medication. Most pregnant women consume drugs and/or supplements during the organogenesis period, which may affect fetal development. This study aimed to evaluate the appropriateness of drug prescribing patterns for pregnant women at community health centers in Tungkal Ilir District using World Health Organization (WHO) prescribing indicators, including the average number of drugs per prescription, the use of generic drugs, antibiotics, injectable formulations, and essential medicines. This descriptive study was conducted retrospectively by reviewing prescriptions issued between January and December 2017 at Kuala Tungkal I and II Health Centers. The results showed that the average number of drugs per prescription was 2.37 and 2.5, the use of generic drugs reached 100%, antibiotic prescriptions were 0.6% and 2.94%, and no injectable formulations were prescribed. The use of essential medicines was 57% and 80%, respectively. Overall, prescribing practices met WHO standards, except for the relatively low use of essential medicines.