THE STUDY OF THE RELEVANCE ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF DRUG INFORMATION CENTRE AT A SECONDARY HOSPITAL IN SOUTH WEST NIGERIA

This prospective study was carried out in a state hospital, Sokemu, Abeokuta to determine the relevance of Drug Information Centre (DIC) to the practice of Health Care Professionals in the Hospital. A total of 120 questionnaires were administered to the hospital health care professionals. Total number of respondents was 107 corresponding to 89.2% of the total population with years of experience in service ranging from 5- 15 years.Eighty five 85 (79.4%) believed that Drug Information Centre was relevant to their professional practice, 12 (11.2%) believed that it was not relevant to their professional practice, while 10 (9.4%) were not sure of the relevance of the DIC to their professional practice.Forty three (43) (19.2%) respondents required latest Information on drugs, 25 (11.2%) required information on side effects, 29 (12.9%) on dosage form, 27 (12.1%) on dosage regimen, 12 (5.4%) on indications, 27 (12.1%) on contra-indications, 19 (8.5%) on brand names and 21 (9.4%) required drug information on all the listed areas.Forty seven (47) (43.9%) claimed that they obtained Drug Information from relevant textbooks, 74 (69.2%) from colleagues, 16 (15.0%) from internet, 23 (21.5%) from journal and largest number 102 (95.3%) claimed they obtained information from the Pharmacists who are medical representatives of pharmaceutical companies as well as from hospital pharmacists.Drug Information Centre was found to be relevant to the practice of health care professionals at a state hospital, Sokemu in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Hypothesis testing showed significant relationship of p<0.05.