Community pharmacists' knowledge and practices towards selling antibiotics in Binh Minh town, Vinh Long province

Abstract

Objective: To describe the knowledge and practices of community pharmacists (CPs) on selling antibiotics and to analyze some factors affecting practices of community pharmacists on selling antibiotics. Methods: This study employed descriptive cross-sectional design with quantitative and qualitative research. The quantitative research is conducted through a survey of 80 CPs at all 63 private drug stores. The qualitative research was conducted through 8 in-depth interviews with CPs pharmacists and stakeholders. Results: 67,5% CPs had basic knowledge about antibiotics. CPs had inadequate knowledge about consequences of selling antibiotics without prescription (SAwP)x and the time-limit of a prescription. Only 5% of CPs had good practice on selling antibiotics. The rate of CPs selling antibiotics without prescription was 93.7%. Some factors affecting on SAwP of GPs include: habits and limited knowledge of customers; inadequate knowledge but over-confidence of GPs; economic benefits and competitiveness of drug retailers; and the weak supervision and sanctions of authorities.

Conclusion: The situation of SAwP was very popular in community drug retailers. Increasing public and pharmacists' awareness about the risks of self-medication and SAwP; monitoring the SAwP at community pharmacies by health authorities would be important