Prevalence and characteristics of grocery stores that sold antibiotics in Amphoe Muangpan, Lampang province

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence and characteristics of the groceries that sold antibiotics in Amphoe Muangpan. Method: The subjects were all 140 owners of grocery stores located in Amphoe Muangpan. Researcher and assistants collected the data by interviewing grocery owners on various characteristics of groceries and observing antibiotics available in the stores. Results: The prevalence of groceries that sold antibiotics in Amphoe Muangpan was 22.1%. Each area had a different prevalence of groceries with antibiotic selling. The most common source of antibiotics in the groceries was type I drugstores which was a large pharmacy of the province, followed by drug delivery by car and wholesaling groceries. Pearson’s correlation between the proportion of groceries with antibiotics in the areas and the proportion of groceries undergone the training on legitimate sale of medication was 0.321 (P=0.439), indicating that participation in training showed no correlation with antibiotics selling. The most common antibiotics was tetracycline. Conclusion: Antibiotics provision by groceries remains a problem of inappropriate drug in community of Amphoe Muangpan. All relevant parties should participate in an effort to curb the problem.