A survey of community pharmacists on prevention of HIV and hepatitis B and C: current practice and attitudes in Grampian.
BACKGROUND
Prevention of infection with the blood-borne pathogens (BBPs) HIV and hepatitis B and C remains a major public health challenge. The aim of this study was to assess the activity, knowledge and attitudes of community pharmacists in Grampian in prevention of HIV and hepatitis B and C.


METHODS
A questionnaire survey of community pharmacies was carried out in Grampian, a mixed urban-rural Health Board area in NE Scotland with a population of 532,432.


RESULTS
Ninety-nine out of 128 (77 per cent) community pharmacies responded. Many pharmacies were providing services for drug misusers. Nearly all pharmacies stocked condoms, 57 pharmacists stated that they stocked extra-strong condoms, and two stocked dental dams. Two-thirds had leaflets relating to safer sex, HIV or hepatitis. Less than half stated that they had lists of local agencies dealing with drug-related or sexual health problems. Knowledge of the BBPs, and confidence in giving advice, were greater for HIV than for hepatitis B and C. Few were aware of recommendatons for hepatitis B vaccination. The majority felt that in the future pharmacists could have a greater role in prevention of these infections. Principal barriers to preventive activity were described as time pressure, lack of a private area and lack of training.


CONCLUSIONS
There is untapped potential for community pharmacists to be a focus for advice and information relating to prevention of HIV and hepatitis B and C; however, resources are needed to address the current barriers identified field.
Watson
Lorna
L
Department of Public Health, Grampian Health Board, 2 Eday Road, Aberdeen AB15 6RE.
Bond
Christine
C
Gault
Caroline
C
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010594:Pharmacies; D010595:Pharmacists / Q000523:psychology*; D024382:Professional Role; D011634:Public Health; D021841:Safe Sex; D012606:Scotland; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires