Community Pharmacists’ Adherence to Rational Dispensing Practices at Selected Community Pharmacies in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background:  A key element in ensuring the rational use of medication is good distribution practices, which are defined as giving the proper medicine in an effective form, to the right patient in the right dosage and quantity, with clear instructions, and in a container that preserves the potency of the drug.

Objective: to assess community pharmacists’ adherence to rational dispensing practices at selected community pharmacies in Addis Ababa.

Method: A cross-sectional study design was employed to assess the adherence of community pharmacists to rational prescribing practices. World Health Organization prescribing standards was used to carry out face-to-face interview via a close-ended questionnaire.

Result:  The study conducted on a total of 12 pharmacies and 120 clients showed that all the selected pharmacies fulfilled the standard 100%. All have the needed materials in the appropriate environment, of the observed pharmacists the most frequently given information was frequency and duration with percentages of 96.7% and 95% respectively. However important pieces of information like side effects, precautions, and contraindications were not given much emphasis only 9.2% were informed about side effects, 10% about precautions, and 21% about contraindications

Conclusion: This study showed that knowledge and skill about our study area, alone are not enough. Although the pharmacists seem to be equipped with the requirements, all had some negligence. Therefore, periodical training and awareness rising to be conducted as such negligence will have a negative outcome on client/patients.