Abstract:

"Background: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a result of enlargement of the prostate gland due to unregulated hyperplastic growth of the epithelial and fibro muscular tissues of the transition zone and per urethral area. For males over 40 years BPH is a prevalent condition which brings lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and significantly impair quality of life.

Methodology: A cross sectional retrospective study was conducted through consecutive sampling of files of 11 patients attending urology clinic from each month of study period January 2021 to December 2023 from the Medical Records Department at Bugando Medical Centre.

Results: Combination of Tamsulosin and Finasteride showed the most commonly or frequently prescribed medication and the highest persistence rate when compared with other medications. Among patients who switched medications, Tamsulosin showed the highest return rate following initiation of prescription. Alfuzosin and Dutasteride were not prescribed to any patient. Drug related problems were not included in the patients’ medical files. Most physicians adhered to the National Standard Treatment Guideline of Tanzania.

Conclusion: There is a diverse prescription pattern of BPH medications which is suggestive of better prognosis and tolerability. Interestingly, Alfuzocin and Dutasteride were not utilized, indicating a preference for other medications. The absence of drug-related problems in medical records suggests a need for improved documentation practices. With 19.24% of non-adherence to STG, appropriate measures should be taken into account for treatment efficacy, patients’ satisfaction, safety and long term adherence to therapy."