Prescription pattern and awareness of disease and treatment in patients of Parkinson's disease

Abstract

Aim: This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the prescription pattern, awareness of disease and treatment in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Materials & methods: A total of 100 PD patients, attending a tertiary care hospital in Mumbai were included. Prescriptions were analyzed and awareness was evaluated using a questionnaire. Results: The mean number of anti-Parkinson agents (APA) prescribed was 1.52 ± 0.65. Number of APA strongly correlated with disease duration (ρ = 0.818; p < 0.001). Many APA were underutilized (prescribed daily dose/defined daily dose < 1). There was no awareness of all items on symptoms and alternative therapeutic options. Awareness of disease impairments (32%), long-term complications (28%), dosing regimen (46%) and follow-up (36%) was poor. Conclusion: More than one APA is commonly prescribed in PD patients. Awareness of disease and treatment of PD is poor among the patients.