Assessment of pediatric hospital preparation needs among a sample of pediatricians in Senegal

Assessment of needs for paediatric hospital preparations among prescribers practising in paediatrics in Senegal

Abstract

The unsuitability of medicines for the pediatric population constitutes a major public health problem in Senegal. In this context, the present study aimed to assess the needs for pediatric hospital preparations among a sample of pediatricians. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 54 prescribers working in pediatric departments. Overall, 83.3% of prescribers reported difficulties in adapting available medicines to the pediatric population, mainly resolved by splitting tablets (35.2%) or resorting to preparations outsourced to community pharmacies (14.8%). The most frequently cited drugs were furosemide (37.0%), captopril (24.1%), omeprazole (13.0%), sildenafil (11.1%), and phenobarbital (11.1%), predominantly desired in liquid oral form or as powder sachets for reconstitution. Knowledge of hospital preparations remained limited (44.4% of prescribers). This study highlights a significant gap between children's therapeutic needs and the available pharmaceutical supply, and underscores the strategic role of hospital pharmacies in developing suitable pediatric formulations.