Knowledge of Sexually Transmitted Diseases Management Among Pharmacists in Dar es Salaam Tanzania: A Case Study

M Justin-Temu; R Majura; F Damian; K I J Pallangyo; E F Lyamuya

M Justin-Temu Faculty of Pharmacy, Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, P. 0. Box 650 13, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
R Majura Faculty of Pharmacy, Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, P. 0. Box 650 13, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
F Damian Faculty of Pharmacy, Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, P. 0. Box 650 13, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
K I J Pallangyo Faculty of Medicine, Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 65010, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
E F Lyamuya Faculty of Medicine, Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 65010, Dar es Salaam Tanzania

Keywords: Pharmacy curriculum, STDs, HIV/AIDS management

Abstract

This study was conducted to find out if pharmacists are conversant with the
management of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and whether they use their
knowledge appropriately in managing their clients with STDs syndromes. A
comparison was made between community pharmacists who graduated before
and after the introduction of STDsIHIV management program in the Faculty of
Pharmacy, University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania in 1992. The aim was also to
find out if these pharmacists have attended any training on STDs management
after their formal training, and whether they are able to make correct diagnosis
and give the right drug@) to their clients suffering from STDs. Self-administered
questionnaires were distributed to eighty-seven pharmacists operating in Dar es
Salaam. The response was 74.7% (n=65), with female to male ratio of 1:1.8. Of
the responding pharmacists, 73.8% reported to have had formal training on
STDs management during their undergraduate course. All pharmacists reported
that they normally see clients at their pharmacies with complaints suggestive of
STDs. All pharmacists were able to list three or more STDs. About 65% of postcurricula
pharmacists were able to list one or more STDs causative agents.
Ninety four and hundred percent of pre- and post-curricular pharmacists,
respectively were found to give the right drug@) for various STDs. Twenty seven
percent post- and 64.7% pre-curricula pharmacists had attended training on
STDs management since they graduated.