Characterization of Medication Related Problems Among Patients with Cardiovascular Disease in Medical Ward of Mettu Karl Referral Hospital, South Western, Ethiopia: A Prospective Observational Study

Background: Medication related problem is defined as: ‘an event or circumstance involving drug therapy that actually or potentially interferes with desired health outcomes. Drug related problems are of a major concern in health care because of increased cost, morbidity and mortality. cardiovascular diseases are a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels. Objective: To discover characterization of medication related problems and contributing factors among cardiovascular patients in the medical ward of Mettu Karl Referral Hospital. Methods: A facility based prospective observational study design was carried from April 07 /2021 to June 09/2021. Data was collected through employing check list and semi-structured questioner. Data was entered and descriptive statistical analysis was done using statistical packages for social sciences 25.0 version statistical software. Both bi-variable and multivariable analysis performed to determine the association between outcome and predictors variables. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The overall rate of medication related problems among cardiovascular patients in medical ward was 53 (58.2%). The patient’s age group was in line of 36-59 years 49 (53.8%). Unnecessary drug therapy 15 (28.3%) were the mostly identified type of drug therapy problem followed by dosage too high 11 (20.8%). ACEIs 229 (17.1%) was commonly prescribed medication and potassium sparing 19 (2.2%) was least prescribed drugs. Age ≥ 60 years (AOR: 2.76; 95%CI: 1.342-3.945; P=0.004), rural area residents (AOR: 2.76; 95%CI: 1.014-2.758; P=0.003), length of hospital stay >7 days (AO R: 4.75; 95%CI: 2.986-11.723; P=0.007), number of medication >5 (AOR: 3.632-17.893; 95%CI: 2.986-11.723; P=0.001) were associated factor significantly causes medication related problems. Conclusion and Recommendation: The prevalence of medication related problems amid cardiovascular patients in medical ward was high. Less than half of patients were found to have co-morbidities and were had have social substance users. Hospitals and ministry of Health should have to establish pharmaceutical care services for better patient care.