The Opinions of Pharmacists in Ondo State, Nigeria, towards the Inclusion of HIV Services Into Community Pharmacies
Abstract:
The purpose of this study is to ascertain
opinion of pharmacists on the inclusion of HIV interventions into community pharmacy. This includes their
willingness to deliver HCT and ARV services, their perceived knowledge of HIV
management and the adequacy of personnel and infrastructure at community
pharmacies.
In the course of this study,
the survey method of descriptive research was used. It was implemented through
the collaboration of the Ondo State branch of the Pharmaceutical Society of
Nigeria (PSN) during the celebration of the World Pharmacy Day 2013. This
afforded the opportunity of having pharmacists working in various health fields
together under one roof. The main instrument of data collection was a pre tested
questionnaire. The responses were entered into an excel data base with the data
analysis done using tables and percentages. The result of the analysis revealed
the readiness of pharmacists to accept the incorporation of HIV services into
community pharmacy. It also revealed that Community Pharmacists in Ondo State
are enthusiastic and willing to be included in HIV service provision.
Integrating HIV services into their services would support an increased uptake
of prevention services, expansion of access to HCT, PMTCT, and ART services.
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