Understanding how community pharmacist play a role in self-medication with antibiotics in Kumasi, Ghana.

Abstract

Background: Non-prescription antibiotic dispensing is a widespread phenomenon observed predominantly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and low-income countries (LICs). This practice is associated with inappropriate sale and usage of antibiotics, contributing significantly to the global challenge of antibiotic resistance.

Aim: The aim of the study is to investigate how the pharmacist conducts counseling for self-medication with antibiotics and to examine what factors influence their decision of dispensing antibiotics to these patients in Kumasi, Ghana.

Results: A thorough assessment of patients allows pharmacists to determine whether antibiotics should be dispensed or not based. Additional considerations include laboratory tests and patient demand. All participants expressed concerns regarding antibiotic resistance. The results revealed information of illegal antibiotic sales by licensed chemical sellers and drug peddlers. Many pharmacists were unaware of the limitations surrounding the antibiotics they are authorized to prescribe. Commonly prescribed antibiotics included Amoxicillin, Amoxiclav, and Azithromycin.

Conclusion: Pharmacists showed confidence in prescribing medications and offering medical advice but lacked awareness of limitations. Inappropriate antibiotic dispensing occurred due to customer demand or financial motives. Strengthened regulatory measures, as seen in Greece, might be necessary to address this issue. Illegal antibiotic sales by LCs and drug peddlers were reported, indicating gaps in regulatory enforcement. Concerns also arose over pharmacies operating without supervision.