Study on the Availability and Rational Use of Veterinary Drugs in Veterinary Clinics of Haramaya and Dire Dawa Districts, Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

Aim
The study was conducted between December 2021-June 2022 with an objective to assess the current status of veterinary drugs
used in veterinary clinics of Dire Dawa and Haramaya districts using a questionnaire, personal interviews, and observations of
public veterinary clinics.
Method
A total number of 40 public veterinary clinics were selected, purposively selected, and included in the study, and veterinary professionals
working in each veterinary clinic were conveniently selected by using a non-probability method. The assessment methods
such as descriptive drug use indicators, prescribing practices and other drug information sources and drugs of choice at health
facilities were included.
Results
The results obtained were as; a majority of the clinicians (57.5%) were Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) and above. Nearly
half (42.5%) of clinicians used only a verbal prescription for prescribing drugs. Oxytetracycline was available in all clinics and
32(80%) responded as it is their first drug of choice for treatment. Only 50% of the clinicians responded as they administer drugs
and treat animals presented to their clinic for a definitive (laboratory investigation) diagnosis. The majority (80%) of respondents
use antibacterials for prophylaxis. Major factors considered in drug selection by 92.5% of professionals amongst alternative drugs
were its availability. About 98% of respondents use promotion materials or leaflets of different drugs as a source of information.
Conclusion
The study showed that the trend of using prescription papers for prescribing drugs was not enough and prescription papers did
not include the relevant information that should be incorporated in drug ordering and dispensing drug prescriptions by and large
based on tentative diagnosis and inappropriate drug selection were found to be bottlenecks for the successful drug treatment that
leads to drug resistance. Therefore, awareness and training should be provided regularly for prescribers and end users about the
proper way of drug use.