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. 2022 Aug 18;11(1):25-32.
doi: 10.4103/jrpp.jrpp_5_22. eCollection 2022 Jan-Mar.

Community Pharmacists' Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study of Lagos State, Nigeria

Ogochukwu U Amaeze  1 , Alexander A Akinola  1 , Ayobami A Aiyeolemi  1 , Folasade O Lawal  2 , Oghogho R Ijomone  1 , Ugochukwu A Mbata  3
Affiliations

Community Pharmacists' Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study of Lagos State, Nigeria

Ogochukwu U Amaeze et al. J Res Pharm Pract. .

Abstract

Objective: To explore the services community pharmacists in Lagos state provided to their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey of community pharmacists drawn from all the Association of Community Pharmacists' zones in Lagos state was done from April to June 2021. Data were collected using a structured, self-reported online questionnaire via Google Forms and were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical analysis.

Findings: Two hundred and forty community pharmacists participated in the study; the response rate was 80.5%. Patient counseling (99.6%), assessment and treatment of common acute ailments (99.6%), and patient education on hygiene (99.6%) were the most reported services provided by community pharmacists. The COVID-19 infection prevention and control measures most frequently practiced by the pharmacists include cleaning of floors with soap and water (98.4%), provision of hand sanitizers for staff use (97.1%), and taking precautions when handling prescriptions and dispensing drugs (96.7%). Significant barriers to the provision of the services were reduced workforce in the pharmacy, time constraints, and extended working hours. Zinc (98.3%), Vitamin C (97.5%), and ivermectin (95.0%) tablets were the most reported medications for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 infection.

Conclusion: Community pharmacists in Lagos state actively provide pharmacy services and practice various recommended infection prevention and control measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 infection in their communities.

Keywords: COVID-19; Community pharmacist; Lagos state; infection prevention and control.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

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Figure 1
Pharmaceutical prevention and management of COVID-19 infection
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