Location of community pharmacies and prevalence of oral conditions in the Western Cape Province
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Date
2013
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier
Abstract
Community pharmacists are approached regularly for oral health advice; most commonly for
ulcers which could be indicative of oral cancer, HIV, and various systemic diseases. Community
pharmacists should know how to manage these conditions yet they have very limited training
to manage these conditions appropriately. The area location and socioeconomic status (SES) of
the pharmacy should be considered as it may influence patient management. A study of this
nature has not yet been conducted in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. To determine
the prevalence and frequency of oral complaints at community pharmacies and if these
parameters differ by metropolitan location and SES. A cross-sectional survey of 162 randomlyselected
private sector pharmacies was conducted. The sample (n = 121) was stratified by SES
and metropolitan location. An open-ended structured questionnaire was faxed to pharmacists.
A telephonic interview was conducted a day later. Community pharmacists were asked
about the frequency and type of oral health problems they encountered. Most pharmacists
(91%) dealt with oral health problems frequently, most commonly for ulcers (55.8%), thrush
(49.2%), and toothache (33.3%). The results did not differ by metropolitan location and SES
(Chi-squared, Fisher’s Exact, p > 0.05), with the exception of toothache and mouth sores.
Community pharmacists are an important part of an interdisciplinary team, and play a definite
role in the early detection of oral health conditions, namely, caries, HIV and oral cancer.
Training on common oral health conditions should be included in undergraduate pharmacy
curricula and continuous professional development courses.
Description
Keywords
Oral health advice, Community pharmacies, Systemic disease, Patient management
Citation
Amien, F. et al. Location of community pharmacies and prevalence of oral conditions in the Western Cape Province. Health SA Gesondheid, 18(1), Art. #687, 9 pages