Pattern of Drug Sales at Community Pharmacies in Edo State as Evidence of Self-medication during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Implications for Policy Implementation

Authors

  • Iriagbonse Iyabo Osaigbovo Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, PMB 1111, Edo State, Nigeria
  • Esohe Olivia Ogboghodo Department of Community Health University of Benin Teaching Hospital Benin City Edo State
  • Darlington Ewaen Obaseki Department of Anatomic Pathology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, PMB 1111, Edo State
  • Obehi Akoria Department of Medicine, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, PMB 1111, Edo State
  • Ewere Scholastica Ehinze Department of Community Health, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, PMB 1111, Edo State
  • Otaniyenuwa Eloghosa Obarisiagbon Department of Community Health, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, PMB 1111, Edo State
  • Obiageli Henrietta Nneka Okwara Department of Community Health, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, PMB 1111, Edo State

Keywords:

Self-medication, COVID-19, community pharmacists, Benin City

Abstract

Background: Inappropriate self-medication, recognized as one of the indirect health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, is especially worrisome because of reported toxicity and unproven efficacy of various drug combinations touted as cures for the disease. Little scientific documentation exists on the range of drugs being self-medicated during the pandemic in Nigeria. This study assessed the pattern of drug sales at community pharmacies during the COVID-19 pandemic to ascertain the drugs commonly used for self-medication.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted across community pharmacies in Benin City, Edo state in June 2020 to assess the pattern of sales of drugs. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire and a record review of medication sales carried out to compare sales in the 1st and 2nd quarters of 2020. Data were analyzed using IBM-SPSS version 25.0.

Results: Sixty-two community pharmacies were assessed. Of these, record review showed an increase in sales in the 2nd Quarter, compared to the 1st  quarter, of Hydroxychloroquine 62 (100.0%), Chloroquine 51 (82.3%),  vitamin C 62 (100.0%) and immune boosters 61 (98.4%). Forty-one (66.1%) community pharmacies reported an increase in sales of Azithromycin and Zinc respectively and 27 (43.5%) reported an increase in the sales of Artemisinin-based combination therapy. Prescription sheets were not mandatory for the sales of these medications in any of the pharmacies.

Conclusion: There was an increase in sales of antimalaria, antibiotics, and multivitamins reported to be useful in the management of COVID-19 without prescription. Implementation of drug policies is necessary to guarantee public safety.

Author Biographies

Iriagbonse Iyabo Osaigbovo, Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, PMB 1111, Edo State, Nigeria

Senior lecturer in Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, PMB 1111, Edo State, Nigeria

Esohe Olivia Ogboghodo, Department of Community Health University of Benin Teaching Hospital Benin City Edo State

Senior Lecturer in Department of Community Health, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, PMB 1111, Edo State

Darlington Ewaen Obaseki, Department of Anatomic Pathology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, PMB 1111, Edo State

Professor of Anatomic Pathology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, PMB 1111, Edo State

Obehi Akoria, Department of Medicine, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, PMB 1111, Edo State

Professor of Medicine, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, PMB 1111, Edo State.

Otaniyenuwa Eloghosa Obarisiagbon, Department of Community Health, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, PMB 1111, Edo State

Senior Lecturer in Department of Community Health, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, PMB 1111, Edo State

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Published

2021-03-28

How to Cite

Osaigbovo, I. I., Ogboghodo, E. O., Obaseki, D. E., Akoria, O., Ehinze, E. S., Obarisiagbon, O. E., & Okwara, O. H. N. (2021). Pattern of Drug Sales at Community Pharmacies in Edo State as Evidence of Self-medication during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Implications for Policy Implementation. The Nigerian Health Journal, 20(4), 150–158. Retrieved from https://tnhjph.com/index.php/tnhj/article/view/499

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