Scientific Poster Session IV - Original Research

Original Research
  Tuesday, November 14, 2023
  08:30 AM–10:00 AM

Abstract

Introduction: Inappropriate proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) use is now attracting increasing scrutiny due to concerns about a range of published possible serious adverse effects (AEs). Therefore, it is imperative to provide greater insight into how these AEs have influenced real-world practice

Research Question or Hypothesis: What are the physicians’ perceptions, awareness, and beliefs toward PPI AEs and their impact on PPI prescribing?

Study Design: Quantitative and cross-sectional.

Methods: Data were collected using a validated self-administered questionnaire. A total of 500 physicians working in primary and secondary public health care settings were approached to be included in this study.

Results: The response rate was 77.8% (389//500). Seventy-five percent of respondents were very much or somewhat familiar with published data on PPI AEs. Of those, 86.3.% had very much or somewhat changed their PPI prescribing habits. Sixty-two percent reported being very much or somewhat concerned in general about AEs when prescribing PPIs. Most respondents indicated their awareness of osteoporosis/osteopenia (90%), hypomagnesemia (82.5%), vitamin B12 deficiency (81.2%), bone fracture (79.9%), iron deficiency (78.1%), Clostridium difficile infection (77.6%), calcium deficiency (77.1%) chronic kidney disease (73.5%), and acute interstitial nephritis (73.0%) as AEs associated with PPIs use. Of those, over three-quarters believed that PPIs increase the risk for 4 of 18 AEs enquired, osteoporosis/osteopenia (90%), hypomagnesemia (83.5%) vitamin B12 deficiency (77.2%), Clostridium difficile infection (76.8%). The common strategies for PPI de-escalation were PPI discontinuation (63.8%) and using PPI only on-demand (57.6%). The majority agreed that PPI overuse is commonly present in Kuwait (87.1%) and necessary to carry out education on the PPI rational use for medical staff and the public (79.7%).

Conclusion: Physicians in Kuwait are aware of and believe that PPIs cause multiple AEs, are concerned about PPI AEs, and modified their prescribing patterns by de-escalating PPIs. Future interventions should focus on educational programs to ensure rational PPIs use.

Presenting Author

Abdelmoneim Awad B. Pharm (Hons); M.Pharm; PhD
Kuwait University

Authors

Sarah Alsaraf B.Pharm
College of Pharmacy, Kuwait University,

Abdulaziz AlTunaib B.pharm
College of Pharmacy, Kuwait University,