Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the basic factors that impact the prescibing and the status of caring about the rational drug usage criterias when prescribing.The universe of the study was 157 general practitioners working at Erzurum City centre and in this study was performed in 2006 the participation rate was 96.8%. Of the general practitioners 53.3% and 46.7% were men and women, respectively. Mean lifetime service period was 6.31 ± 3.5 years. Of the participants 65.8% and 34.2% were working at first and second grade health service organizations, respectively. Of the physicians, 21.1% stated that they examine 90 and more patients in a single day. Mean examination time was 8.24 ± 4.7 minutes and 53.3% of the physicians stated that they could reserve less than 10 minutes for a single patient. For the participants, the most important two criteria for the prescription were the effectiveness and safety of the drugs. It was determined that the most important factors that impact prescribing were post-graduate education and the presentations of drug companies. In case of any problem about the prescribing, the physicians the most frequently consulted drug guide.

In conclusion, some of the rational drug usage criterias were not considered as important and this may lead to irrational drug usage. The promotions and presentations of drug companies were found to be an important references and this also may effect the rational drug use behaviours negatively.