Awareness and Appropriateness of Proton Pump Inhibitor Usage Among Inpatients and Outpatients in a Civil Hospital: A Questionnaire-Based Observational Study

Abstract

ABSTRACTProton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have become the cornerstone of therapy for acid-relatedgastrointestinal disorders because of their potent and sustained suppression of gastric acidsecretion. Their widespread clinical use has substantially improved the management ofgastroesophageal reflux disease, peptic ulcer disease, gastritis, and stress ulcer prophylaxis.However, the increasing prevalence of inappropriate prescribing, prolonged therapy withoutclear clinical indications, and inadequate patient awareness has emerged as a significantconcern in contemporary healthcare practice. Inappropriate utilization of PPIs not onlyincreases the risk of avoidable adverse events and unnecessary healthcare expenditure butalso contributes to irrational drug use and compromised therapeutic outcomes. The presentstudy was undertaken to evaluate the awareness and appropriateness of PPI usage amonginpatients and outpatients attending a civil hospital through a prospective, questionnairebased observational design. A total of 100 participants were enrolled, and informationregarding demographic characteristics, indications for therapy, prescribing patterns,duration of treatment, medication adherence, awareness of adverse effects, and patientperceptions was collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed to summarize the study findings. The resultsdemonstrated that PPIs were predominantly prescribed for acid-related disorders, withpantoprazole being the most frequently utilized agent. Although most participants reportedreceiving PPIs under medical supervision, considerable deficiencies were identified in theirunderstanding of the recommended duration of therapy, potential long-term adverse effects,and the need for periodic review of treatment. Variations in medication adherence anddiscontinuation practices further highlighted gaps in patient counselling and rationalmedication use. The findings emphasize the importance of evidence-based prescribing,regular prescription review, and comprehensive patient education to ensure the safe andappropriate use of PPIs. Strengthening awareness among patients and promoting guidelinedirected prescribing practices may substantially reduce unnecessary long-term therapy,improve medication safety, and optimize clinical outcomes.