Prevalence of Illegal Drug Distribution among Groceries in Sanamchaikhet District, Chachoengsao

Abstract

Objective: To study the prevalence of illicit drug distribution in grocery stores in Sanamchaikhet District, Chachoengsao. Method: This study surveyed 200 from the total of 426 groceries in 4 sub-districts with 50 in each sub-district from March 1 to April 30, 2016. The samples were selected by convenience sampling by choosing a first shop located at the center of the sub-district. The researchers recorded drug names of all medication products identified in the groceries. Subsequently, the researcher analyzed each drug item for wrongdoings according to the Drug Act or related acts. Results: Data from 198 were complete and could be used by data analysis. Illegal drugs (non-household remedies) were found in 188 pharmacies (94.94%), while 10 had no drug in the stores. 13.3% of the groceries (from 188 drug selling groceries or DSGs) sold Ya-chud. The study found expired drug stores in 8% of DSGs. Average number of drugs available in each DSG was 15, with an average of 2 lawful drugs (13.3%). The results from survey in 4 sub-districts were identical that many grocery stores misunderstood that dangerous drugs and package drugs other than dangerous or specially controlled drugs sold in their stores were household drugs because they were widely advertised in mass media. However, four districts were different in the sources of drugs to the shops. Sub-district located in the government center (Ku-yan-mee) and that near the government center (Lad-Krating) had drug stores in the District as their source of drug. For those far way, (Thung Phraya and Tha Kradan), drug stores outside the District were their source of drugs. Conclusion: Surveys in the 4 subdistricts of Sanamchaikhet District have found that almost all groceries sold illegal drugs. However, violation of the law was found in different aspects.