Opinions of Stakeholders about the Roles of Private Pharmacists in Sexually Transmitted Infections Man-agement in Pattaya City, Banglamung District, Chonburi Province, Thailand

Abstract

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continue to remain a major public health problem in Thai-land. Almost half of STI patients sought treatment from private pharmacists before seeing physicians. Private pharmacists are primarily alternative source of care for treatment of STIs. The aim of this study was to identify opinions of public and private stakeholders about the roles of private pharmacists in the man-agement of sexually transmitted infections. It was a descriptive study using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Data were collected through self-reported questionnaire and in-depth interviews. A total of 70 participants were recruited: 6 policy makers and 64 community pharmacist and pharmacy staff. It was found that most participants had agreed on the role of private pharmacists in the management of STIs. However, there was training need on HIV counseling and STI knowledge. There were some constraints identified, incluidng limitation of STI management standards, poor access to national STI treatment guide-lines, and shortage of educational materials suitable for STI clients. In summary, private pharmacists could take part in the provision of STI treatment and care; and their capacity could be enhanced by specific STI trainings and provision of up-to-date STI treatment guidelines.