The response to COVID-19 among drug retail outlets in Indonesia: A cross-sectional survey of knowledge, attitudes, and practices
Issued Date
2022-05-01
Resource Type
eISSN
26666065
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85126597915
Journal Title
The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific
Volume
22
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific Vol.22 (2022)
Suggested Citation
Mashuri Y.A., Wulandari L.P.L., Khan M., Ferdiana A., Probandari A., Wibawa T., Batura N., Liverani M., Day R., Jan S., Schierhout G., Wahyono D., Yulianto, Kaldor J., Guy R., Law M., Yeung S., Wiseman V. The response to COVID-19 among drug retail outlets in Indonesia: A cross-sectional survey of knowledge, attitudes, and practices. The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific Vol.22 (2022). doi:10.1016/j.lanwpc.2022.100420 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/85933
Title
The response to COVID-19 among drug retail outlets in Indonesia: A cross-sectional survey of knowledge, attitudes, and practices
Author's Affiliation
George Institute for Global Health
Universitas Islam Indonesia
Universitas Sebelas Maret
Universitas Udayana
Universitas Gadjah Mada
The Aga Khan University
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
UNSW Sydney
The Kirby Institute
University College London
Mahidol University
Nagasaki University
Faculty of Medicine
Health Systems Programme
Universitas Islam Indonesia
Universitas Sebelas Maret
Universitas Udayana
Universitas Gadjah Mada
The Aga Khan University
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
UNSW Sydney
The Kirby Institute
University College London
Mahidol University
Nagasaki University
Faculty of Medicine
Health Systems Programme
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Background: Pharmacists have been at the frontline of the COVID-19 response in Indonesia, providing medicines, advice, and referral services often in areas with limited healthcare access. This study aimed to explore their knowledge, attitudes, and practices during the pandemic, so that we can be better prepared for future emergencies. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey of community pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in Indonesia was conducted between July and August 2020. The dataset was analysed descriptively, and logistic regression was used to explore willingness to participate in COVID-19 interventions. Findings: 4716 respondents participated in the survey. Two-thirds (66·7%) reported knowing only “a little” about COVID-19 and around a quarter (26·6%) said they had not received any COVID-19 guidelines. Almost all were concerned about being infected (97·2%) and regularly took steps to protect themselves and their clients (87·2%). Stock-outs of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other products (32·3%) was the main reason for not taking any precautions. Around a third (37·7%) mentioned having dispensed antibiotics to clients suspected of having COVID-19. To support COVID-19 response efforts, most respondents were willing to provide verbal advice to clients (97·8%), distribute leaflets to clients (97·7%), and participate in surveillance activities (88·8%). Older respondents, those identifying as male, and those working in smaller outlets were more willing to provide information leaflets. Those working in smaller outlets were also more willing to engage in outbreak surveillance. Interpretation: Drug retail outlets continue to operate at the frontline of disease outbreaks and pandemics around the world. These providers have an important role to play by helping to reduce the burden on facilities and providing advice and treatment. To fulfil this role, drug retail outlets require regular access to accurate guidelines and steady supplies of PPE. Calls for drug retail outlet staff to plat in response efforts including the provision of information to clients and surveillance could ease escalating pressures on the health system during future outbreaks. Funding: This study was funded by a grant from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia, under the Stronger Health Systems for Health Security Scheme.