PRESCRIPTION TRENDS AND PATIENT KNOWLEDGE DISPARITIES BETWEEN RURAL AND URBAN POPULATIONS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Rational prescription practices and adequate patient knowledge about medications are crucial for optimizing therapeutic outcomes and preventing drug-related problems. However, differences in healthcare infrastructure, physician practices, and patient literacy may influence prescription patterns and drug awareness across rural and urban settings. This comparative observational study was designed to evaluate prescribing trends and patient knowledge in rural versus urban populations. Prescriptions were analyzed for drug categories, average number of drugs per prescription, use of generic versus branded medicines, adherence to essential drug lists, and prevalence of polypharmacy. Patient knowledge was assessed using structured questionnaires covering drug name, indication, dosage, frequency, and potential side effects. The study findings revealed significant differences between rural and urban settings. Urban prescriptions showed a higher tendency toward rational prescribing with greater adherence to standard guidelines, while rural prescriptions displayed higher rates of polypharmacy and lower generic use. Patient drug knowledge was considerably better in urban populations, likely due to higher literacy levels, improved access to healthcare providers, and better patient–doctor communication. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to promote rational prescribing and improve patient education in rural areas.