Attitudes of Bolivian pharmacists in dealing with diarrhea cases.

To help learn about the recommendations made by Bolivian pharmacists dealing with diarrhea cases, 498 pharmacies in three Bolivian cities (Cochabamba, El Alto, and La Paz) were visited by female interviewers who indicated they were seeking treatment for a child with diarrhea. Ninety-eight of the Cochabamba pharmacies were also visited by a male interviewer who indicated he was suffering from diarrhea and was seeking treatment. In response, fewer than 2% of the pharmacists recommended using oral rehydration salts (ORS), increasing fluid intake, or consulting a physician. Most recommended antimicrobials, antidiarrheals, or some combination of the two. At 329 (66%) of the pharmacies, oral rehydration salts were unavailable, and those that did have such salts rarely offered them to customers. At the time of the survey, pharmacists were not integrated into the Bolivian National Health Secretariat's training program for control of diarrheal diseases. Steps have since been taken to resolve this matter.

[Attitudes of Bolivian pharmacy distributors in a case of diarrhea]. / Actitudes de los expendedores de farmacias bolivianas frente a un caso de diarrea.

In order to learn the recommendations given for a case of diarrhea by persons who sell medications at pharmacies, interviewers visited pharmacies in three Bolivian cities and said they had a child suffering from diarrhea. Less than 2% of the vendors recommended using oral rehydration salts, increasing fluid intake, or consulting a doctor. Most of them recommended antibiotics, antidiarrheals, or both. Oral rehydration salts were not available in nearly two-thirds of the establishments visited, and those that had the salts rarely offered them. This study revealed the lack of integration of these professionals into the Health Secretariat's training program, and as a result activities were initiated to solve this problem.