Objective: To measure the impact of implementation of the national protocol on the prescribing patterns for acute respiratory infections among children attending a large primary health care center in Abha City.
Methods: This study was carried out during December of 1997 and February of 1998 in Abha City, Asir Region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. One quarter of the prescriptions which were issued in those 2 months were selected randomly and assessed for age, sex, diagnosis and the prescribed drugs before and after intensive training of the primary health care physicians on the implementation of the national protocol for acute respiratory infections.
Results: One hundred and forty five and 123 prescriptions were selected and assessed pre and post the implementation of this protocol. Our findings showed a decrease in the prescription of antibiotics from 53% to 33%, anti-cough drugs from 43.5% to 6%, and anti-histaminics from 20% to 10%.
Conclusion: Training on the national protocol and its implementation will decrease the rate of prescribing and misuse of unnecessary drugs such as antibiotics, anti-cough and anti-histamines.