THE PRESCRIBING PATTERNS OF TOPICAL STEROIDS IN PATIENTS VISITING THE DERMATOLOGIC CLINIC OF St PAUL'S HOSPITAL, ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA: 6 MONTH RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Summary Background Skin problems are generally among the most common diseases seen in primary care settings in tropical areas. It’s also among the leading causes of hospital visits in Ethiopia. Although skin disease might not be fatal, it is truly bothersome. Topical steroids comprise the mainstay treatment of skin diseases. However, irrational prescription of topical steroids is a common occurrence all over the world, there is no enough study done in our country regarding this issue. Objectives The main aim of this study is to find out the common skin diseases for which topical steroids were prescribed in patients visiting the dermatologic clinic of St Paul’s Hospital in the past 6 months. Methods The study will be conducted in the dermatologic clinic of St Paul’s Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The study period will be from March 12, 2018 to April 12, 2018 which is a total of 30 days. The study will employ a retrospective chart review or medical record review from a total of 355 patient using quantitative methods between the months September 2017 to February, 2018 at St Paul’s Hospital. Results will be analyzed using the SPSS and results will be expressed in terms of percentages and presented using tables and figures. A total of 4,362.00 Ethiopian birr is estimated to do the research, which will be partially funded by the research committee.