Morbidity patterns and prescribing habits in Harare primary care clinics

Abstract

A prospective study of 1000 patients drawn from 10 Harare primary care clinics was mounted to determine the symptom and disease patterns seen, and the drugs used in primary care clinics. Children less than four years old comprised 38% of patients seen. Respiratory infection was the commonest diagnosis. Antibiotics were prescribed for 54.3% of patients comprising 28% all prescriptions. Patients received on average 2.4 drugs per visit and only 1.9% of patients received no medication.