Pharmacies in informal settlements: a retrospective, cross-sectional household and health facility survey in four countries.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Slums or informal settlements characterize most large cities in LMIC. Previous evidence suggests pharmacies may be the most frequently used source of primary care in LMICs but that pharmacy services are of variable quality. However, evidence on pharmacy use and availability is very limited for slum populations.

Methods

We conducted household, individual, and healthcare provider surveys and qualitative observations on pharmacies and pharmacy use in seven slum sites in four countries (Nigeria, Kenya, Pakistan, and Bangladesh). All pharmacies and up to 1200 households in each site were sampled. Adults and children were surveyed about their use of healthcare services and pharmacies were observed and their services, equipment, and stock documented.

Results

We co

SUBMITTER: Improving Health in Slums Collaborative 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8431901 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature