Knowledge, attitudes and practices related to tuberculosis in pharmacy workers in a cross-sectional survey in El Agustino, Peru

Abstract

IntroductionAlthough the worldwide incidence of tuberculosis (TB) is slowly decreasing, annual infection rates in Peru remain among the highest in the Americas. Pharmacies could play an important role in facilitating early detection of TB. However, the awareness, expertise and cooperation of pharmacy workers is fundamental. This study explored the TB-related knowledge, attitudes and practices of pharmacy workers in a district with one of the highest incidences of TB in Peru.MethodsThis cross-sectional study applied a questionnaire that was administered face to face using smartphones with one pharmacy worker at each of 45 randomly selected pharmacies in the El Agustino district of Lima, Peru.ResultsParticipants were primarily female (78%) and had an average age of 31.3 years old (range 18–57 years old). Only 11% of participants were pharmacists with complete university training. The pharmacy workers’ knowledge was adequate; however, workers had important knowledge gaps and myths regarding prevention of TB transmission. Most pharmacy workers (77%) reported they would send a client with a history of cough for more than two weeks to a healthcare center, while 23% reported they would offer them antitussive medication or antibiotics. Almost all workers reported talking with clients about diseases and reported respiratory symptoms as one of the most common causes for consultation (60%). Most participants expressed interest in learning more about TB and expanding their involvement in the fight against TB in their community.ConclusionPharmacy workers have adequate knowledge about TB. However, we identified gaps in knowledge with respect to prevention of TB transmission. Pharmacy workers commonly see patients with respiratory symptoms and some offer recommendations, including for treatment. Pharmacy workers are willing to learn more and contribute to TB control and could be a valuable asset in the control and prevention of TB in Peru. To achieve this integration of pharmacy workers into TB control and prevention, more research is needed.

Factors associated with inappropriate dispensing of antibiotics among non-pharmacist pharmacy workers

“…[39][40][41][42] These findings show that, in developing countries such as Pakistan, low income, fewer resources and less healthcare facilities compel people to the inexpensive attainment of healthcare services. 43,44 In Pakistan, out-of-pocket expenditures for health are very high, so people find the non-prescription purchase of medicines as a cheaper alternative to avoid consultation fees and diagnostic expenditures. 39 Another Pakistani study showed that the cost of antibiotics with prescriptions lied in the range of Rs.…”

“…Similar findings were shown in a previous study conducted in Tanzania, where pharmacy workers stated financial gain as a motivating factor for providing medicines to the customers without a valid prescription. 44 It may be due to the reason that, in developing countries, pharmacies are business places and pharmacy workers always look for opportunities to sell their medicines. 44 Comprehensive instructions about medicines consist of information about their use as well as possible side effects, drug interactions, precautions, etc.…”

“…44 It may be due to the reason that, in developing countries, pharmacies are business places and pharmacy workers always look for opportunities to sell their medicines. 44 Comprehensive instructions about medicines consist of information about their use as well as possible side effects, drug interactions, precautions, etc. Disappointingly, according to the findings of this study, patients were only educated about the frequency of antibiotic use.…”

Pengetahuan, Sikap, dan Praktik Tenaga Kesehatan terhadap Penyakit Tuberkulosis: Sebuah Review

“…20 Pengetahuan farmasis di Peru cukup baik, namun pengetahuan mengenai pencegahan dan penularan TB masih kurang. 21 Sebuah studi di Indonesia menunjukkan pengetahuan staf klinis yang kurang dalam hal pengendalian infeksi, seperti skrining batuk di antara pengunjung (38%) dan penggunaan masker pernapasan (48%). 22 Di Iran, pengetahuan para staf laboratorium TB lebih baik apabila dibandingkan pengetahuan staf laboratorium non-TB, mengingat bahwa tingkat pendidikan memiliki pengaruh yang signifikan terhadap pengetahuan.…”

“…20 Sikap serupa ditunjukkan oleh farmasis di Peru yakni mayoritas menyatakan bahwa mereka suka berbicara mengenai opsi perawatan dan merasa nyaman berbicara mengenai TB dengan klien meraka. 21 Studi di Indonesia menunjukkan staf klinis program TB dan staf lainnya menyatakan tertekan dan takut dalam melakukan perawatan MDR-TB. 22 Studi di Iran menunjukkan sikap staf laboratorium TB lebih positif dibanding sikap staf laboratorium non-TB.…”