ASSESSMENT OF PUBLIC’S USE AND PERCEPTION ON THE EXTENDED ROLES OF PHARMACISTS IN COMMUNITY PHARMACIES OF ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Assessment of public‟s use and perception on the extended roles of pharmacists in community pharmacies of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia By: Kefyalew Zeleke Addis Ababa University, 2015 Community pharmacies are the most convenient place for providing preventive health care services for the local community because of their characteristic accessibility. Studies in many countries have documented positive outcomes concerning community pharmacists‟ involvement in preventive health care services such as diagnostic screening and chronic disease management services. In Ethiopia, however; these services have been under-utilized resources. The perspective of the community is important to consider when expanding the horizon of pharmacy practice. The purpose of this study is to determine the extent of use of community pharmacies and assess the perception of community on pharmacists‟ extended roles in Addis Ababa. Community based cross-sectional study was conducted and semi structured questionnaire was used to collect information from the community. Response rate was 91 % (1152/1268) and 66% of the respondents had made at least one visit to the community pharmacies before the interview date. Most of the respondents visited community pharmacy for purchasing prescription medicines (88.7%) and non-prescription medicines (43.3%). Convenience of location (85%), quality services (36%) and presence of wide range of products (37%) were the major predictors of the respondents‟ choice of particular community pharmacy. Majority of the respondents (61%) welcomed the introduction of the extended roles of community pharmacists, particularly screening for blood pressure (94.7%), blood cholesterol (89.5%) and blood glucose (91.0%), immunization, chronic disease management and counseling services (93.6%). iv Community pharmacists‟ integration in preventive health care services is required. Regulatory framework of practice for involvement in expanded services is needed. Keywords: community pharmacist, community‟s perception, extended roles, Ethiopia