Drug Use Patterns in the Management of Childhood Diarrhoea at Primary Health Care Centres in Enugu State, South East Nigeria

Childhood diarrhoea remains a leading cause of under-five morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, and irrational drug use in its management worsens clinical outcomes. This study investigated drug prescribing and dispensing patterns for childhood diarrhoeal cases at primary health care centres in Enugu State, South East Nigeria. A retrospective review of 500 patient case files and prescription records from five selected primary health centres spanning a 24-month period was conducted. Data extracted included patient demographics, diagnosis, drugs prescribed, dosage forms, and adherence to WHO and national treatment guidelines. Findings revealed that oral rehydration salts were prescribed in only 61 percent of cases, while antibiotics were inappropriately prescribed in 47 percent of non-dysenteric diarrhoea cases. Zinc supplementation, a WHO-recommended intervention, was prescribed in less than 20 percent of eligible patients. Polypharmacy was observed in approximately 55 percent of prescriptions, with antidiarrhoeal agents such as loperamide inappropriately prescribed for children under five. These results reflect significant deviation from evidence-based guidelines and indicate the need for continuing medical and pharmaceutical education for primary health care workers. Pharmacist involvement in prescription review and rational drug use monitoring at primary care level is strongly advocated. Strengthening clinical pharmacy services within Nigeria's primary health care system may reduce medication errors and improve outcomes in paediatric diarrhoeal management. Keywords: childhood diarrhoea, drug use patterns, Enugu State, primary health care, rational drug use