E Rutta1, A Tarimo2, E Delmotte1, I James3, S Mwakisu4, D Kasembe2, N Konduri1, R Silumbe5, K Kakanda1, R Valimba6. 1. System for Improved Access to Pharmaceuticals and Services, Center for Pharmaceutical Management, Management Sciences for Health, United States Agency for International Development, Arlington, Virginia, USA. 2. Tanzania National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. 3. Center for Pharmaceutical Management Intern, Georgetown University, Arlington, Virginia, USA. 4. Management Sciences for Health, Center for Pharmaceutical Management, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. 5. Tanzania Pharmacy Council, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. 6. Management Sciences for Health, Center for Pharmaceutical Management, Dar es Salaam.
Abstract
SETTING: Private sector accredited drug dispensing outlets in Morogoro and pharmacies in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. OBJECTIVE: To assess 1) the level of knowledge about tuberculosis (TB) among dispensers in Tanzania's retail pharmaceutical sector; 2) practices related to identification of patients with suspected TB; 3) the availability of educational materials and training; and 4) the availability of first- and second-line anti-tuberculosis treatment in retail drug outlets. DESIGN: A cross-sectional descriptive study involving the administration of a structured questionnaire among drug dispensers in 122 pharmacies and 173 accredited drug dispensing outlets. RESULTS: Private retail drug outlets are convenient; most are open at least 12 h per day, 7 days/week. Although 95% of dispensers identified persistent cough as a symptom of TB, only 1% had received TB-related training in the previous 3 years; 8% of outlets stocked first-line anti-tuberculosis medicines, which are legally prohibited from being sold at retail outlets. The majority of respondents reported seeing clients with TB-like symptoms, and of these 95% reported frequently referring clients to nearby health facilities. CONCLUSION: Private retail pharmaceutical outlets can potentially contribute to TB case detection and treatment; however, a coordinated effort is needed to train dispensers and implement appropriate referral procedures.
SETTING: Private sector accredited drug dispensing outlets in Morogoro and pharmacies in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. OBJECTIVE: To assess 1) the level of knowledge about tuberculosis (TB) among dispensers in Tanzania's retail pharmaceutical sector; 2) practices related to identification of patients with suspected TB; 3) the availability of educational materials and training; and 4) the availability of first- and second-line anti-tuberculosis treatment in retail drug outlets. DESIGN: A cross-sectional descriptive study involving the administration of a structured questionnaire among drug dispensers in 122 pharmacies and 173 accredited drug dispensing outlets. RESULTS: Private retail drug outlets are convenient; most are open at least 12 h per day, 7 days/week. Although 95% of dispensers identified persistent cough as a symptom of TB, only 1% had received TB-related training in the previous 3 years; 8% of outlets stocked first-line anti-tuberculosis medicines, which are legally prohibited from being sold at retail outlets. The majority of respondents reported seeing clients with TB-like symptoms, and of these 95% reported frequently referring clients to nearby health facilities. CONCLUSION: Private retail pharmaceutical outlets can potentially contribute to TB case detection and treatment; however, a coordinated effort is needed to train dispensers and implement appropriate referral procedures.
Authors: Eliangiringa Kaale; Vicky Manyanga; Mhina Chambuso; Jafary Liana; Edmund Rutta; Martha Embrey; Thomas Layloff; Keith Johnson Journal: PLoS One Date: 2016-11-15 Impact factor: 3.240
Authors: Rebecca Thomson; Boniface Johanes; Charles Festo; Admirabilis Kalolella; Mark Taylor; Sarah Tougher; Yazoume Ye; Andrea Mann; Ruilin Ren; Katia Bruxvoort; Barbara Willey; Fred Arnold; Kara Hanson; Catherine Goodman Journal: BMC Health Serv Res Date: 2018-03-09 Impact factor: 2.655
Authors: Martha Embrey; Catherine Vialle-Valentin; Angel Dillip; Bernard Kihiyo; Romuald Mbwasi; Innocent A Semali; John C Chalker; Jafary Liana; Rachel Lieber; Keith Johnson; Edmund Rutta; Suleiman Kimatta; Elizabeth Shekalaghe; Richard Valimba; Dennis Ross-Degnan Journal: PLoS One Date: 2016-11-08 Impact factor: 3.240