Irrational medicine use and its associated factors in conflict-affected areas in Mali: a cross-sectional study
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Date
2025
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Taylor and Francis Ltd.
Abstract
Background: Rational use of essential medicines is a critical step towards prevention and treatment of many illnesses. However, it represents a significant challenge worldwide, and particularly for under-resourced health systems in conflict-affected areas. Objective: To assess barriers to rational use of essential medicines at primary healthcare level in conflict-affected areas of Mali. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in twenty randomly selected community health centres (CHCs) in four health districts, by applying the World Health Organisation and International Network on Rational Use of Drugs core forms for the rational use of medicines. Seven hundred eighty-nine (789) prescriptions were retrospectively selected and analysed; four hundred forty-three (443) patients were interviewed: and health facility-related indicators were collected prospectively from the 20 CHCs. Results: The average number of medicines per prescription was 3.89 ± 1.83; out of these, 94.0% were prescribed by generic name, and 91.0% belonged to Mali’s National List of Essential Medicines. Overall, 68% of the assessed prescriptions included antibiotics; 58% included injectables; and 75.79% were characterized by polypharmacy, i.e. more than two medicines per prescription.
Description
Keywords
conflict-affected area, Irrational use of medicines, Mali, pharmaceutical system, Sub-Saharan Africa
Citation
Ahmed, M.A.A., Seydou, A., Coulibaly, I., Kielmann, K. and Ravinetto, R., 2025. Irrational medicine use and its associated factors in conflict-affected areas in Mali: a cross-sectional study. Global Health Action, 18(1), p.2458935.