Prevalence of Self-prescribing Propranolol Among Medical and Dental Students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Study

Al-Mohrej, Omar A.; Al-Bani, Waad M.; AlShaalan, Nouf S; Aldahash, Rawan; Alyamani, Anas M.; Almodaimegh, Hind

doi:10.1016/j.hpe.2016.10.001

Cited by 12 publications

(40 citation statements)

References 18 publications

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“…There were 4.1% of incorrect indication regarding stage 1 hypertension 3 Cardiovascular Therapeutics and 1.34% of incorrect indication with regard to stage 2 hypertension with asthma or type 1 diabetes mellitus due to the use of propranolol or atenolol at high dose which may lead to treatment failure or other unwanted effects, but this result was higher when compared with the previous study due to substandard of the hospital [3]. Similarly, the finding of Saudi Arabia showed a slightly high rate of propanol misuse [32].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 75%

Drug Use Evaluation of Beta-Blockers in Medical Wards of Nedjo General Hospital, Western Ethiopia

Fekadu

Bekele

Bekele³

et al. 2020

Cardiovascular Therapeutics

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Introduction. Beta-blocker use evaluation is a performance method that focuses on the evaluation of beta-blocker use processes to achieve optimal patient outcomes. Several studies conducted in different hospitals revealed a high incidence of inappropriate prescription of beta-blockers among hospitalized patients. Therefore, it is important to identify inappropriate beta-blocker prescribing since they may increase the risk of hospitalizations. Despite this, there was no study conducted related to drug use evaluation of beta-blockers in Nedjo general hospital (NGH). Thus, this study was aimed at assessing the use evaluation of beta-blockers in medical wards of NGH. Methods. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at medical wards of NGH from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2017. Results. Out of the total of 149 medical record of patients that contains beta-blockers, 84 (56.37%) were males and about one-third (31.54%) of the patients ages were between 41 and 50 years. Propranolol was the most commonly prescribed beta-blocker (62.76%), and 94.56% of beta-blockers were prescribed with correct indication. There were about 51%, 46.31%, 64.43%, and 46.98% of beta-blockers prescribed with the correct dose, duration, frequency, and route of administration, respectively. Regarding the routes of administration, 70 (46.98%) of them were prescribed with the correct route. Most drugs interacting were propranolol with cimetidine 26 (68.42%), and the most frequent condition for which beta-blockers were prescribed was hypertension (32.89%). Conclusion. Overall, there was an inappropriate use of beta-blockers in terms of dosage and durations. So, prescribers of NGH should strictly adhere to the national treatment guideline when prescribing medications. Additionally, drug information centers have proved useful and effective in promoting rational drug use. Hence, it should be recommended for general use.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 75%

Drug Use Evaluation of Beta-Blockers in Medical Wards of Nedjo General Hospital, Western Ethiopia

Fekadu

Bekele

Bekele³

et al. 2020

Cardiovascular Therapeutics

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“…Compared to a study conducted among university students in Switzerland [ 12 ], the prevalence was higher in our population, and it was found that 1.2% of students used beta-blockers for their psychoactive properties [ 12 ]. However, when our findings were compared with a study conducted from Saudi Arabia, it was found that 30% of medical and dental students at KSAU-HS used propranolol during their college years [ 13 ]. According to a German study conducted in a general population, 38.8% of people used psychoactive drugs for non-medical reasons such as coping with stress and cognitive performance enhancement [ 15 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 86%

“…University students experience high levels of stress during oral and written examinations, and agents like propranolol are commonly used among such populations [ 12 ]. A local study among medical and dental students in Saudi Arabia found that around 30% used propranolol, of which 48% self-prescribed the medication [ 13 ]. Self-prescription of beta-blockers makes users more predisposed to the established adverse effects such as hypotension, bradycardia, bronchospasms, and hypoglycemia due to the lack of proper evaluation and supervision [ 14 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Prevalence of Beta-Blocker Use Among Medical Students at King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Alkhatabi

Alowfi

Arshad

et al. 2020

Cureus

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“…in 2016. [ 25 ] Furthermore, we found out that the use of beta-blockers was significantly higher among male students, by approximately 9.6%, probably because male students experienced more peer pressure and anxiety as compared to females. There are more male students enrolled in our college as compared to females, which could have some effect on their anxiety and stress due to academic competition.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 88%

“…[ 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 ] One of the most common drugs that is being inappropriately used by medical and dental students are beta-blockers. [ 22 23 24 25 ] Anxious students using beta-blockers before exams reported significant improvements in examination performance. [ 23 ] Although there were reports of untoward effects with self-medication and inappropriate use of these drugs including hypotension and the increased risk for psychiatric morbidity.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Inappropriate use of beta-blockers among medical and dental students at King Saud University, Riyadh

Abukhalaf

Alomar

Alsalame

et al. 2020

J Family Med Prim Care

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Aim: Self-medication and inappropriate beta-blocker use have been commonly reported among students. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of inappropriate self-prescription of beta-blockers among medical and dental students. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using a validated self-administered questionnaire distributed via online Google document to all undergraduate medical and dental students, including interns, of King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Results: Out of 1,240 emails sent, 885 students (627 [70.8%] medical students and 258 [59.2%] dental students) responded to the survey (response rate, 71.4%). Beta-blockers were used by 198 students (22.4%) during their college years, of which 147 (16.6%) used it ≤5 times. The most common reason of using beta-blockers was to relieve stress and anxiety. The most common sources of information for use were their colleagues/fellow students. Self-prescribed beta-blockers were used by 123 students (13.9%). The usual dose consumed was 20 mg in 84 students (9.5%), while 15 (1.7%) experienced side effects. Although male students used beta-blockers more than females, females used beta-blockers at significantly higher doses (>20 mg). Medical students consumed more beta-blockers than dental students did (33.7% versus 0%, P = 0.001). Students in their senior years continued self-prescription and beta-blocker use longer than their juniors. Continued use was associated with their current academic level, who prescribed the drug, their usual dose, and awareness of complications. Conclusion: Two in ten students inappropriately used beta-blockers to relieve their anxiety and stress during examinations, and most of them were self-prescribed.

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Prevalence of Self-prescribing Propranolol Among Medical and Dental Students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Study

Cited by 12 publications

References 18 publications

Drug Use Evaluation of Beta-Blockers in Medical Wards of Nedjo General Hospital, Western Ethiopia

Drug Use Evaluation of Beta-Blockers in Medical Wards of Nedjo General Hospital, Western Ethiopia

The Prevalence of Beta-Blocker Use Among Medical Students at King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Inappropriate use of beta-blockers among medical and dental students at King Saud University, Riyadh

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