Sahel Medical Journal

ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Year
: 2008  |  Volume : 11  |  Issue : 4  |  Page : 134--136

An audit of aspirin use for prevention of vascular complications in nigerians with diabetes mellitus


FK Salawu1, AB Olokoba2, A Danburam1 
1 Department of Medicine, Federal Medical Centre Yola, Nigeria
2 Department of Medicine, University of llorin Teaching Hospital, llorin, Nigeria

Correspondence Address:
F K Salawu
Department of Medicine, Federal Medical Centre, PMB 2017, Yola 640001, Adamawa State
Nigeria

Background: Cardiovascular events represent the major cause of death in individuals with diabetes mellitus. The American Diabetes Association has recommended that diabetic adults with addition risk factor for cardiovascular disease be treated with aspirin. We aimed to assess the use of aspirin in diabetic patients. Methods: Case notes of 100 diabetic patients were randomly selected on three occasions (0, 3 and 6 months). Information on risk factors and aspirin use was collected. Following the first review, we raised awareness on this issue. Results: Medical officers were aware of the need for secondary cardiovascular prevention in patients with diabetes mellitus. However, prescription for primary prevention was low. After raising awareness through hospital presentations, aspirin prescription increased. Conclusion: Simple measures of health education, through hospital presentation as part of an audit cycle, have led to a significant improvement in number of aspirin prescriptions. This should translate into a long time improvement in vascular outcome in this patient group.


How to cite this article:
Salawu F K, Olokoba A B, Danburam A. An audit of aspirin use for prevention of vascular complications in nigerians with diabetes mellitus.Sahel Med J 2008;11:134-136


How to cite this URL:
Salawu F K, Olokoba A B, Danburam A. An audit of aspirin use for prevention of vascular complications in nigerians with diabetes mellitus. Sahel Med J [serial online] 2008 [cited 2024 Mar 29 ];11:134-136
Available from: https://www.smjonline.org/article.asp?issn=1118-8561;year=2008;volume=11;issue=4;spage=134;epage=136;aulast=Salawu;type=0