ABSTRACT
Objectives: To determine incidence of perceived allergies; causes and management; of disorders associated with allergies at household level in Ilala district. Method: A cross sectional study was conducted in Ilala district involving a total of 400 households randomly selected 8 wards out of 22 wards in the district and head of the household intervie- wed using a structured questionnaire. Results: Of the household members interviewed; 66.8being females; about 60.0reported to be allergic to different substances. Food 16.7; animal dander and fur 15.4; pollen 13.3; house dust 11.7; medicines 8.3; cosmetics 5.8; and plants 6.3were the most common causes of allergy within the households. Most individuals were not aware of the source of allergy. Only few (40.4) respondents had some knowledge about allergy; and they acquired the information through different sources such as mass media; school; friends; other families etc. In terms of prevention; 39.2knew how the allergies could be prevented; and 41.2had knowledge on appropriate medicines for the control and treatment of different allergic symptoms. Skin allergies 35.9; respiratory allergies 13.3; and allergies of the eye 10.8were observed to be the most common complains. Conclusion: The study shows high prevalence of perceived allergy disorders in the community associated with poor understanding on the possible causes and preventive measures. This highlights the need conduct public education to raise awareness on allergy with a focus on causes and avoidance of exposure to allergens to mitigate effects of allergy in the society
Subject(s)
Family Characteristics , Hypersensitivity , Patient Acceptance of Health Care , PerceptionABSTRACT
A study on dispensing practice and quality of amoxycillin capsules and syrups was conducted in retail pharmacies in 5 regions of Tanzania. Data on dispensing practice was collected by interviewing 75 dispensers through structured questionnaires. Quality of amoxycillin capsule formulations and dry powder for suspension preparations from six different manufacturers was evaluated for chemical content at the Tanzania Food and Drug Authority (TFDA) in Dar es Salaam. The study showed that of all the dispensers only 17.3were pharmacists; 21.3pharmaceutical technicians and 28were nurses of different ranks. Results indicated that the most dispensed amoxicyllin was the locally produced preparation which accounted for 41.3. Affordability determined the most dispensed and lowest priced generic brand; amoxycillin by 68. Results revealed that only 46.6dispensers refused to dispense amoxycillin without a prescription while 53.4dispensed. Out of the ones who dispensed; 42.5gave patients the most expensive preparations and 22.5just dispensed according to the patients' demands. Similarly patients with prescriptions written in a generic name; the dispensers (28) issued them with the most expensive brand while others were issued the brand they specifically demanded by 32of the dispensers. For patients who came to the pharmacy with less money; results revealed that 66.7of the dispensers dispensed incomplete doses and then requested them to come back for the remainder and 13.3just gave out incomplete doses without any further counseling. Responses regarding reconstitution of the dry powder for suspension showed that only 10.7dispensers reconstituted before giving it out to patients and the rest just instructed patients on how to reconstitute at home. Further; 74.7of dispensers instructed the patients to use teaspoons to measure 5ml of the suspension. The results from the assessment of chemical contents showed that all capsules and dry powder for suspensions complied with respect to pharmacopoeial limits. It is concluded that dispensers should continually undergo continuing education on good dispensing practices