Prevalence of and Factors Affecting Inappropriate Sale of Drugs in Grocery Stores within Khaophanom District, Krabi

Abstract

        Objective: To evaluate the factors affecting the irrational distribution of drugs in grocery stores in Khao Phanom District, Krabi Province. Method: This study was cross-sectional analytical research, collecting data from 120 grocery stores in Khao Phanom District, Krabi. Data were collected by the researcher from each store through interviews with entrepreneurs and used the record model developed in this study to investigate the stores. Results: In Khao Phanom District, Krabi Province, it was found that 63 grocery stores sold inappropriate drugs, accounting for 54.8%. All 64 stores sold antibiotics and dangerous drugs. Found 12 grocery stores sold drug sets, accounting for 19.1%. No drug distribution was found without a formula registration number. The most common source of non-OTC drugs is wholesale stores, followed by drugstores, accounting for 100% and 57.1% of the grocery stores that sell inappropriate drugs, respectively. The inappropriate drug sales rate of wholesale grocery stores is significantly higher than other type of grocery stores (p=0.008). There is a statistically significant proportion of inappropriate drug sales in grocery stores that have never been trained or received advice from health officials regarding the laws prohibiting the sale of non-OTC drugs in grocery stores (p<0.001). Conclusion: More than half of the grocery stores in Khao Phanom District, Krabi sell inappropriate drugs, which may lead to unsafe drug use and drug resistance. Therefore, all parties should work together to solve the problem of inappropriate distribution and consumption of drugs in the community by using the found factors to plan for the next operation.