Development of a Model for Resolving the Problems on Distribution of Inappropriate Health Products in Grocery Stores in Rattaphum, Songkhla

Abstract

Objective: To develop and evaluate a model for resolving the problem on distribution of inappropriate health products in grocery stores in Rattaphum District, Songkhla. Methods: This research and development involved the resolution of the problem on distribution of inappropriate health products in 53 grocery stores in Rattaphum District, Songkhla. The study piloted the PERMMPAN GROCERY MODEL1.1 in one village with three grocery stores, and then extended the implementation of the model to a larger area covering the entire 11 villages within Rattaphum District with 50 grocery stores. The components in the PERMMPAN GROCERY MODEL1.1 included  P (Participation) or the cooperation of those involved, E (Evaluation) or evaluation of grocery stores according to criteria, R (Recommendation) or giving suggestions on important issues, M (Motivation), M (MOU) or agreement, P (Practice) or training on the examination of product labels, A (Ability) or empowerment and N (Network) or having a surveillance network Evaluations were conducted at the pre- and post-intervention for one months by measuring knowledge and practices of grocery owners using a questionnaire, inspecting according to the criteria of a starred grocery store and communities free from harmful drugs. Results: After using the model to resolve the problem, it was found that overall knowledge on selling health products in groceries increased significantly from 9.94±2.94 in the pre-intervention to 12.82±2.78 (from a full score of 16) in the post-treatment (P<0.001). If considering knowledge in each domain, it was found that the knowledge of grocery owners on health product labeling increased from 3.96±1.42 to 5.04±1.21 (from a full score of 6, P<0.001). That on checking production date and expiration date increased from 0.86±0.76 to 1.78±1.15 (out of a full score of 3, P<0.001). Mean knowledge on law related to  the distribution of health products in groceries increased from 2.78±1.08 to 3.32±. 0.91 (out of a full score of 4, P<0.001). The average knowledge on proper storage of health products increased from 2.34±0.63 to 2.68±0.51 (out of a full score of 3, P<0.001). The overall score on distribution of health products increased statistically significantly from 5.4±2.78 in the pre-intervention to 8.52±1.93 in the post-intervention (from a full score of 10, P<0.001). Grocery owners' average score on inspection of health product labels increased from 2.32±1.72 to 3.90±1.42 (from a full score of 5, P<0.001). Checking expiration date among grocery owners increased from 72% to 86% (P=0.07). Score on compliance with the law for the distribution of health products in groceries increased from 1.74±0.96 to 2.86±0.45 (from a full score of 3, P<0.001). Appropriate storages of health products increased from 62% to 90% (P<0.001). All 50 grocery stores passed the Stared Grocery Standard, increasing from 0 to 50 stores in the post-intervention with 9, 20 and 21 stores being rated as 3-star, 4-star and 5-star grocery stores, respectively. The community passing the criteria for dangerous drug-free groceries increased from 0 to 11 communities. Conclusion: The implementation of the PERMMPAN GROCERY MODEL1.1 led to a better knowledge and practice of health product distribution in the groceries. Groceries and communities were safer places with health products.