ASSESSMENT OF THE ROLE OF COMMUNITY PHARMACISTS IN MANAGEMENT OF HIV-POSITIVE INDIVIDUALS IN THE SOUTHERN REGION OF NIGERIA
Authors: Amaka Mgbahurike A. , Cecilia Amadi Nwadiuto 
Published: March 2021

Background: The long- recognized challenges to HIV care remained relevant as newer challenges emerge. Pharmacists’ role has evolved and expanded to help patients and other healthcare providers to achieve the core goals of HIV management.
Objectives: this study assessed the role/services community pharmacists play/offer in the management of HIV patients in Rivers State, Southern region of Nigeria, and evaluated the perception of community pharmacists towards management of HIV infected patients.
Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out among three hundred and seventy- four community pharmacist- owned pharmacies spread across Rivers State. Data were collected using pre-tested structured questionnaire. The structure comprises (1) demographic information (2) services offered to HIV infected patients (3) perception towards community pharmacists’ involvement in management of HIV. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 16 and statistical significance taken at p<0.05.
Results: Out of 374 (100%) community pharmacist-owned pharmacies only 30 (8%) were involved in the management of HIV patients. 22(73.3%) were male and 8(26.7%) were female. While 23(76.7%) had B.Pharm degree; 2(6.7%) had Pharm D. 18(70%) had 11 – 20yrs practice experience as 7(23%) had over 20 yrs experience. 23(76.6%) had special HIV training program while 3(10%) self-acquired information on HIV. The Likert scale to measure perception is biased towards agreement, Likert scale 3.89, that community pharmacists are knowledgeable and well positioned to play role in the management of HIV infected patients.
Conclusion: Very few 30(8%) of registered community pharmacists are involved in the management of HIV patients. Although the services offered cut across the guidelines for management of HIV infected patients, there is still need for improvement and regular update on HIV training for community pharmacists. These steps would help to involve more community pharmacists, decongest hospitals and reduce workload on hospital pharmacists.
                   
Peer Review History:
Received 23 January 2021; Revised 5 February; Accepted 26 February, Available online 15 March 2021
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Received file:                Reviewer's Comments:
Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 5.0/10
Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.0/10
Reviewer(s) detail:
Prof. Dr. Hassan A.H. Al-Shamahy, 
Sana'a University, Yemen, shmahe@yemen.net.ye
Dr. Bilge Ahsen KARA, 
Ankara Gazi Mustafa Kemal Hospital, Turkey, ahsndkyc@gmail.com
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