Medication-related problems among patients with cervical cancers at oncology centers of University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital: A hospital-based retrospective study

Abstract

Introduction: Though drugs play indispensable role in the treatment of cervical cancer, they are associated with medication-related problems (MRPs). Hence, the present study was aimed to investigate MRPs among patients with cervical cancer.

Methods: A hospital-based retrospective study was employed at the oncology center of University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. All patients with cervical cancer diagnosis from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2020, were included. Stata version 16/MP for Windows was used for description and analysis. Logistic regression analysis was employed.

Results: A total of 124 patients with cervical cancer were included. Paclitaxel and cisplatin (69.4%) combination were the most widely used treatment regimen. MRPs were found in 59.7% patients, with a mean of 2.22 ± 1.13. Subtherapeutic dose (24.4%), the need for additional drug therapy (22.6%), and adverse drug reactions (22%) were the most prevalent MRPs. Being >50 years (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 15.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.25-105.09, p = 0.005), treated with ≥5 medications (AOR = 7.00, 95% CI = 2.65-18.49, p < 0.001), and being stage III (AOR = 15.43, 95% CI = 2.92-81.47, p = 0.001) and stage IV (AOR = 8.41, 95% CI = 1.35-52.44, p = 0.023) were independent predictors of MRPs.

Conclusion: More than half of patients with cervical cancer had one or more MRPs. Being older, patients taking polypharmacy, stage III and IV patients were significantly associated with the development of MRPs. As most of the cervical patients experienced one or more MRPs, clinical pharmacy service should be strengthened to optimize drug therapy to reduce unwanted adverse events.

Keywords: Ethiopia; Medication-related problems; University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital; cervical cancer.