Proton Pump Inhibitors Prescribing Behaviors and Rationalization Strategies Among Healthcare Providers in Southeast...

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Pharmacology
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely used globally.
• Real-world data on PPI prescribing and rationalization in Southeast Asia (SEA) is limited.
• Understanding regional prescribing patterns is crucial for optimizing therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize current PPI prescribing behaviors among healthcare professionals in SEA.
• To identify common rationalization strategies for PPI use in the region.
• To delineate distinct prescriber profiles based on PPI utilization and management.

Main Methods:

• An online questionnaire was developed and disseminated across SEA professional networks.
• Data collected included respondent demographics, PPI prescribing practices, and rationalization approaches.
• K-mode clustering analysis was used to identify prescriber profiles.

Main Results:

• 763 valid responses were analyzed, with 49% identifying as gastroenterologists.
• Common indications for PPIs were gastroesophageal reflux disease (67.8%) and peptic ulcer disease (43.8%).
• Two prescriber profiles emerged: proactive (42.7%) and conservative (57.3%), differing in guideline adherence and rationalization frequency.

Conclusions:

• Significant variability exists in PPI prescribing and rationalization practices across SEA.
• A regional consensus is needed to promote evidence-based PPI utilization.
• Further research should focus on developing standardized guidelines for PPI management in SEA.