Final report of the quantitative study of the knowledge, attitude, and practice of prescribers, patients, and managers in drug use and management

Following upon earlier studies in Indonesia which indicated excessive drug use in the form of polypharmacy (dispensing of an average of 3.5 drugs per person), excess use of antibiotics in both children under 5 and adults, and excess use of injections, the study focuses on childhood diarrhea and acute respiratory disease (ARI) and examines: (1) how prescribers perform diagnoses and handle patients; (2) why inappropriate prescribing occurs; (3) the knowledge and practices of prescribers concerning ARI and diarrhea; (4) reference materials used by prescribers; (5) patients" expectations and opinions; and (6) perceptions of kabupaten-level health managers concerning drug use. Findings are presented in detail. (Author abstract, modified)