Abstract

The inappropriate use of pharmaceuticals is a growing concern worldwide due to associated health risks
and economic costs. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates over half of all medicines are
prescribed, dispensed, or used irrationally. This study aimed to assess the prescribing and dispensing
practices in health facilities of Bushenyi District, Uganda, using WHO's core drug use indicators.
Prescribing indicators like average number of drugs per encounter, percentage of drugs prescribed by
generic name, encounters with antibiotics/injections prescribed, and drugs from essential lists were
accessed. Patient care indicators like consultation time, dispensing time, drugs adequately labeled and
patients' dosage knowledge were evaluated. Facility indicators covered availability of essential drug lists,
key drugs, qualified prescribers and dispensers. The cross-sectional study surveyed 20 health facilities. The
20 health facilities surveyed in Bushenyi District included 3 hospitals, 1 health centre IV, 6 health centre IIIs
and 10 health centre IIs. Data was collected retrospectively for 600 prescribing encounters and
prospectively for 600 patient care encounters. The results showed a high average number of drugs per
encounter (2.59), moderate generic prescribing (81.32%), high antibiotic use (46%), low injection use
(8.83%), and high adherence to essential drug lists (95.83%). Short consultation (5.54 minutes) and
dispensing times (61.47 seconds), inadequate labeling (48.03%), and suboptimal patient knowledge (91.5%)
were observed. Essential drug list availability was high (95%), but key drug stocks (76.49%) and qualified
staff percentages were low (45% prescribers, 5% dispensers). The findings identified several shortfalls like
irrational prescribing patterns, poor patient care practices, and inadequate facilities that require
interventions