An epidemiological survey on prevalence of disease states & medication taking behaviour of patients in rural area in Guntur

The study was aimed to assess the prevalence of disease states and to find out medication taking behavior of patients in rural area in Guntur. A crossectional study was conducted in the community setting (Rural Areas around the Guntur) for a duration of 6 months period i.e., from January 2016 to June 2016. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria subjects were enrolled and data was collected. Out of 252 subjects enrolled majority of the subjects were within the age group of 30-50 yrs, and were males, employed, had primary education, income level per month was <10,000. Majority of the population surveyed were suffering from both hypertension and diabetes, followed by hypertension, diabetes, asthma alone etc. Most of the people were using medication from at least 2 years and were on 5-10 medications. Majority of patients were using OTC products for minor ailments and was found to be analgesic category. This study concludes that Prevalence of disease states was alarming, and there is a need for clinical pharmacist to recognize and to incorporate the necessary step to reduce the burden of diseases and to promote rational drug use.