Misoprostol provision through community pharmacy and licensed chemical shops in Ghana

Availability and prescription of misoprostol for medical abortion in community pharmacies and associated factors in Accra, Ghana

“…Availability of the drug was particularly limited in low‐income neighborhoods where weekly demands were relatively high. While this disparity could be related to economic factors such as perceived low purchasing power in low‐income neighborhoods which could have led to other drugs being prioritized over misoprostol because of lack of funds, the consequence could be a potential increase in unmet need for safe abortion services in low‐income neighborhoods in the city. This in turn could lead to a rise in the number of unsafe abortions.…”

“…The target population was primarily community pharmacists located in the three strata of residential areas. However, the regular absence of pharmacists in community pharmacies in low‐income settings is recognized . In the absence of the community pharmacist, pharmacy technicians or medicine counter assistants, or other (on the job trained) pharmacy workers were surveyed.…”

“…However, the regular absence of pharmacists in community pharmacies in low-income settings is recognized. [13][14][15][16][17][18] In the absence of the community pharmacist, pharmacy technicians or medicine counter assistants, or other (on the job trained) pharmacy workers were surveyed.…”

“…Several studies have shown that in low‐income countries where legal induced abortion services are not easily accessible, community pharmacies are frequently the first line healthcare providers when women seek induced abortion services . In Ghana, community pharmacies have been reported to be the first port of call for the majority of Ghanaians seeking healthcare advice or treatment . Despite this recognition, few studies have been carried out to verify the availability of misoprostol in community pharmacies and factors affecting its prescription for medical abortion.…”

“…[13][14][15][16] In Ghana, community pharmacies have been reported to be the first port of call for the majority of Ghanaians seeking healthcare advice or treatment. 17,18 Despite this recognition, few studies have been carried out to verify the availability of misoprostol in community pharmacies and factors affecting its prescription for medical abortion. The present study aimed to assess misoprostol availability at community pharmacies and determine factors affecting misoprostol prescription for medical abortion.…”