Prevalence and Patterns of Medication Use in Central Nervous System Disorders at a Tertiary Hospital in Ghana: A Descriptive Study.

Ivan Eduku Mozu; Yaa Akyaa  Frimpong; Constance Caroline  Cobbold; Richard Delali  Djochie; Kwasi  Agyen-Mensah; Robert Peter  Biney

Ivan Eduku Mozu Department of Pharmacotherapeutics and Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
Yaa Akyaa Frimpong School of Medical Sciences, College of Heath and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
Constance Caroline Cobbold Department of Pharmacotherapeutics and Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.
Richard Delali Djochie Department of Pharmacotherapeutics and Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.
Kwasi Agyen-Mensah Department of Surgery, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana & Department of Surgery, Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Cape Coast
Robert Peter Biney Department of Pharmacotherapeutics and Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.

Keywords: CNS disorders, Neurological disorders, Pharmacotherapy, sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Background: Central nervous system (CNS) disorders contribute significantly to global morbidity and mortality, with a disproportionate burden observed in low- and middle-income countries. In sub-Saharan Africa, the impact of these conditions is amplified by limited diagnostic capacity, inadequate pharmacological management, and systemic healthcare constraints.
Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and patterns of medication use for CNS disorders at a tertiary hospital in Ghana.
Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted using secondary data from patient records at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital between June 2021 and November 2022. Medical records were reviewed to identify cases diagnosed with CNS disorders and pharmacological agents prescribed for their management. Data on CNS disorders and medication use prevalence were analysed and reported as counts and percentages.
Results: Out of 15,894 patient records reviewed, 1,128 cases (7.1%) involved CNS disorders. The majority of patients were male (52.8%) and above 45 years of age. Vascular disorders were the most prevalent (54.9%), with stroke accounting for 88.9% of cases. Structural and seizure disorders followed, accounting for 19.6% and 17.4%, respectively. Unspecified seizure disorders (62.5%) and epilepsy (32.5%) were the most common seizure types. Pharmacological treatment was limited, with only 13.1% of patients receiving medications. Frequently used drug classes included antibiotics (3.8%), antihypertensives (2.9%), analgesics (2.4%), antipsychotics (1.5%), and statins (0.9%).
Conclusion: The predominance of stroke and the underutilisation of pharmacotherapy underscore critical gaps in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of CNS disorders. These findings highlight the need for improved access to diagnostic tools and essential medications, as well as for policy reforms to enhance the National Health Insurance Scheme coverage for CNS therapies.