Exploratory research in clinical and social pharmacy最新文献

{"title":"Analysis of Defined Daily Dose (DDD) and antibiotic problems in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients","authors":"Yulistiani Yulistiani ,&nbsp;Hargus Haraudi Barkah ,&nbsp;Febriansyah Nur Utomo ,&nbsp;Lucky Andrianto ,&nbsp;Alena Putri Jathi ,&nbsp;Nurrizky Grahitaning Putra Rohmaana Yudistira","doi":"10.1016/j.rcsop.2025.100688","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rcsop.2025.100688","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is posing a significant challenge to effective infection management. This shows the need for quantitative evaluation of antibiotic use through the Defined Daily Dose (DDD) method, combined with Drug Related Problems (DRPs) analysis to support Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) programs. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the quantitative use of antibiotic using DDD method and identify DRP in ICU patients at Airlangga University Hospital. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using medical records of ICU patients from July to December 2022. Antibiotic consumption was calculated in DDD per 100 patient-days following WHO standards, while DRPs were identified using the Cipolle and Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe (PCNE) v9.1 classifications. A total of 125 ICU patients met the inclusion criteria, with a predominance of pneumonia (40 %) and sepsis (25 %). The results showed that the total antibiotic consumption was 91.54 DDD/100 patient-days, with ceftriaxone having the highest (31.57 DDD/100 patient-days). The most frequent DRPs were unnecessary drug therapy (20 %) and suboptimal therapeutic effects (23 %), mainly due to inappropriate indications and deviations from treatment guidelines. Antibiotic use in ICU was dominated by ceftriaxone, and the high rate of DRPs showed the need for improved AMS. This study showed that strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration, regular audits, and adherence to clinical guidelines were essential steps to optimize antibiotic use and minimize the risk of resistance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73003,"journal":{"name":"Exploratory research in clinical and social pharmacy","volume":"21 ","pages":"Article 100688"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145736978","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Optimizing inpatient access to oral contraceptives: A quality improvement approach in behavioral health","authors":"Rachel S. Pierce ,&nbsp;Devon N. Crews ,&nbsp;Benjamin J. Pierce ,&nbsp;Courtney K. Wulffson","doi":"10.1016/j.rcsop.2026.100703","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rcsop.2026.100703","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Continuity of oral contraceptive use during hospitalization is critical for reproductive health, yet behavioral health settings often deprioritize this need. At a Midwestern community hospital, pre-admission oral contraceptives were frequently withheld due to absent workflows, inventory limitations, and provider uncertainty.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The purpose of this quality improvement initiative was to design, implement, and evaluate a structured oral contraceptive procurement workflow to improve continuity of care and support reproductive autonomy for hospitalized behavioral health patients.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A quality improvement initiative introduced a structured oral contraceptive procurement workflow in an adult inpatient behavioral health unit. Using Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles, the multidisciplinary team addressed medication reconciliation, pharmacy coordination, and provider education. Data were collected retrospectively (2022−2023) and prospectively (January–April 2025) for females aged 18–49 prescribed oral contraceptives prior to admission.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Oral contraceptive administration improved from 33 % (17/51) pre-intervention to 78 % (7/9) post-intervention (<em>p</em> = .023). Patients were seven times more likely to receive oral contraceptives after implementation, with a 95 % confidence interval ranging from 1.31 to 37.40. Missed doses persisted due to provider unawareness of workflow and outpatient pharmacy stock constraints.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Implementing a standardized workflow significantly enhanced oral contraceptive continuity for behavioral health inpatients. This systems-based approach demonstrates the value of interdisciplinary collaboration and pharmacy integration in closing reproductive care gaps. Future priorities include sustainability, electronic medical record integration, and broader adoption to advance reproductive health equity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73003,"journal":{"name":"Exploratory research in clinical and social pharmacy","volume":"21 ","pages":"Article 100703"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145977142","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Coping strategies for managing medication side effects among patients with chronic diseases in Northwest Ethiopia: An interpretive phenomenological study.","authors":"Desalegn Addis Mussie ,&nbsp;Samuel Berihun Dagnew ,&nbsp;Tigabu Eskeziya Zerihun ,&nbsp;Abel Temeche kassaw ,&nbsp;Woretaw Sisay Zewdu ,&nbsp;Abaynesh Fentahun Bekalu ,&nbsp;Tilaye Arega Moges ,&nbsp;Fasil Bayafers Tamene ,&nbsp;Samuel Agegnew Wondm ,&nbsp;Getachew Yitayew Tarekegn","doi":"10.1016/j.rcsop.2026.100712","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rcsop.2026.100712","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and arthritis often require lifelong pharmacotherapy. Medication side effects can negatively affect patients' quality of life and adherence. Understanding how patients cope with these side effects is essential for improving patient-centered care.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to explore the coping strategies used by patients with chronic diseases to manage medication-related side effects in Northwest Ethiopia.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>An interpretive phenomenological study was conducted in five hospitals in the Amhara region between May and August 2025. Forty-seven adults experiencing medication side effects were purposively selected. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically using Open Code version 4.03.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Four major themes and nine subthemes emerged. Patients coped with side effects by modifying medication use (stopping, reducing, or changing timing), relying on faith and positive thinking, seeking alternative treatments (e.g., herbal remedies or traditional healers), and obtaining support from healthcare providers, family, and friends. While self-modification of medication sometimes provided temporary relief, it posed potential risks. In contrast, support from healthcare providers and social networks enhanced adherence and psychological resilience.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Patients in Ethiopia use diverse, culturally rooted strategies to cope with medication side effects. Some practices may compromise treatment effectiveness, highlighting the need for proactive, culturally sensitive interventions that combine patient education, spiritual support, and improved patient–provider communication to promote safe medication use, adherence, and overall well-being.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73003,"journal":{"name":"Exploratory research in clinical and social pharmacy","volume":"21 ","pages":"Article 100712"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146204077","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Transition to electronic prescriptions in pharmacies: Workflows, services, and access to medication – A mixed methods approach","authors":"Alexander Graf,&nbsp;Maike Henningsen,&nbsp;Maximillian Zinner","doi":"10.1016/j.rcsop.2026.100706","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rcsop.2026.100706","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Germany's declining number of pharmacies raised concerns about patients' access to medication. To address this, pharmacies have started offering (digital) services, including analog and digital options such as phone consultation or medication delivery. According to existing literature, these services could improve access to medication. However, before the introduction of electronic prescriptions (ePs) in 2022, using these services in Germany was cumbersome.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Given this context, the aim of the study was to examine the challenges and potentials of electronic prescriptions in German pharmacies.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A two-stage sequential mixed methods approach was used, combining semi-structured interviews with an online survey among 1215 pharmacists.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Nearly half of surveyed pharmacists (49.3%) supported the transition to electronic prescriptions, while 37.0% opposed it. Technical errors were widespread (mentioned by 90.5%) and disrupted both dispensing and service workflows. Over half (53.3%) believed ePs worsened in-pharmacy pick-up for patients, while 59.3% saw no major effect on (digital) services. More than one in four (28.5%) observed improvements in medication delivery through digital transfer, but many noted increased competition from large online pharmacies, increased workflow complexity, limited perceived patient demand and low profitability.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Electronic prescriptions were associated with many challenges for pharmacists. Although they might have the potential to improve patient access to medications, this remains limited by technical instability, low patient digital literacy, and pharmacists' perceptions of limited usefulness. Enhancing pharmacist and patient experiences by reducing technical errors, ensuring profitability of (digital) services, and improving patients' readiness is essential to realize the potential of ePs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73003,"journal":{"name":"Exploratory research in clinical and social pharmacy","volume":"21 ","pages":"Article 100706"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146168193","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Self-medication with psychedelics: a scoping review and narrative synthesis of review-level evidence","authors":"Shreya Shiju ,&nbsp;Rohan Tirumala ,&nbsp;Elliot Marseille","doi":"10.1016/j.rcsop.2026.100709","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rcsop.2026.100709","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>As public and scientific interest in psychedelics grows, unsupervised use for health purposes is increasing. In the U.S., past-year hallucinogen use nearly doubled from 2015 to 2023. Many individuals report self-treating physical or psychological symptoms without medical supervision using psychedelics—a practice termed self-medication. Despite this trend, review-level syntheses remain scarce.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>This scoping review aimed to map and synthesize review-level evidence on the self-medication of psychedelics, including which substances are used, for what health-related purposes, and what benefits and harms have been reported.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a scoping review of review-level evidence on self-medication with psychedelics, following the PRISMA PRISMA-ScR (2018) checklist. Searches in PubMed, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar (October–November 2024) used the terms (“self-medication” OR “self-treatment”) AND “psychedelics.” Eligible reviews examined unsupervised use of classical or non-classical psychedelics for physical, mental, or behavioral conditions. Four reviewers independently screened all records. Data extraction was conducted using Elicit AI and was manually verified by reviewers. Methodological quality was assessed using AMSTAR criteria.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Three reviews met inclusion criteria (systematic, scoping, narrative). Psilocybin and LSD were most frequently reported, primarily for cluster headache and chronic pain. Outcomes included abortive relief, prophylactic relief, and prolonged remission, often from microdosed regimens. Approximately 40% achieved full remission; 70% reported preventive benefit. Adverse effects were rare and brief. Motivations for self-use centered on coping, desperation, and dissatisfaction with conventional care.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Preliminary review-level evidence suggests that individuals self-medicating with psychedelics—particularly psilocybin and LSD—report symptom relief for conditions such as cluster headache, though findings remain limited by scarce and heterogeneous data. More rigorous research is needed to clarify effectiveness, safety, and real-world patterns of use.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73003,"journal":{"name":"Exploratory research in clinical and social pharmacy","volume":"21 ","pages":"Article 100709"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146168244","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Integrated pharmaceutical care model by unit-based clinical pharmacists: Implementation and clinical impact","authors":"Kezhen Feng ,&nbsp;Xinyan Han ,&nbsp;Nan Lv ,&nbsp;Chaogang Xiong ,&nbsp;Yajing Li ,&nbsp;Bo Yang ,&nbsp;Jingjing Yi ,&nbsp;Tao Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.rcsop.2025.100700","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rcsop.2025.100700","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>In response to China's National Health Commission mandates promoting unit-based clinical pharmacists, healthcare institutions face severe workforce shortages, creating a critical policy-resource disparity.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to implement and evaluate a hybrid unit-based clinical pharmacist model in respiratory wards to address this gap.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A structured workflow was implemented, integrating morning clinical activities (joint physician-pharmacist rounds, medication reconciliation, and real-time interventions) with afternoon analytical tasks (medication order surveillance). The model was evaluated quantitatively from 2021 to 2024.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Post-implementation, antimicrobial use density dropped from 114.43 to 103.82 DDDs/100 patient-days (a 9.3 % reduction), dual antimicrobial therapy fell from 29.89 % to 11.34 % (a 62.1 % reduction), and pharmacist-patient interactions rose 3.3-fold. Medication safety was enhanced, with adverse drug reaction reports growing from 34 to 61 (a 79.4 % increase). Seven representative cases illustrated the resolution of critical drug therapy issues, demonstrating the framework's capacity to augment stewardship and safety despite staffing constraints.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The hybrid model provides a scalable framework for hospitals addressing the clinical pharmacy staffing gap in China. By strategically allocating limited pharmacist resources, it enhances antimicrobial stewardship and medication safety while complying with national reforms.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73003,"journal":{"name":"Exploratory research in clinical and social pharmacy","volume":"21 ","pages":"Article 100700"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145924739","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Barriers and facilitators for pharmacist-led vaccination services: A systematic review using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR)","authors":"Meral Abdulselam ,&nbsp;Alla El-Awaisi ,&nbsp;Ziad G. Nasr ,&nbsp;Shahd Shaar ,&nbsp;Maguy Saffouh El Hajj","doi":"10.1016/j.rcsop.2025.100687","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rcsop.2025.100687","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Pharmacists are well positioned to contribute to the expansion of vaccination program outreach, owing to their high accessibility, pharmacotherapy knowledge, and patient-centered services. Over the past decade, the scope of pharmacy practice has progressively evolved, shifting from a product-oriented role toward more direct involvement in public health initiatives, including immunization. Despite this advancement, the full potential of pharmacists as immunization providers remains underutilized due to several barriers.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This systematic review aims to synthesize evidence on the barriers and facilitators of pharmacist-led vaccination services using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases (Ovid/Medline, EMBASE, ISI Web of Science, ProQuest Dissertations, PROSPERO, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Elsevier Science Direct, Health Management Information Consortium (HMIC), and Google Scholar. Studies were included if they focused on pharmacist-initiated vaccinations and reported relevant barriers or facilitators. The findings were mapped to CFIR.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 33 studies were included. Barriers to pharmacist-led vaccination services were reported in 32 studies. The main barriers in the Outer Domain were mainly fear of conflicting roles with physicians and public attitudes, lack of physician support, patient unwillingness to receive vaccinations in community settings, liability and regulation related issues, and reimbursement for pharmacist vaccination services. In the Inner Domain, lack of pharmacist training and lack of adequate facilities for delivering community pharmacy vaccination services were the main barriers. Facilitators in the Outer Domain were professional recognition, cooperation between pharmacists and healthcare centers, and financial remuneration. In the Inner Domain, immunization training was frequently considered as a crucial element. Under the Individual Characteristics Domain, opportunities to strengthen the pharmacist–patient relationship, pharmacist interest, patient trust, and patient demand were considered as key facilitators.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study identified the main barriers and facilitators to pharmacist-led vaccination services using the CFIR framework, primarily within the Outer and Inner Setting domains. Findings highlight the need for targeted training, regulatory support, and reorganized reimbursement. Future research should explore context-specific interventions and evaluate training effectiveness to advance pharmacist-led immunization.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73003,"journal":{"name":"Exploratory research in clinical and social pharmacy","volume":"21 ","pages":"Article 100687"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145924804","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Improved persistence to statin therapy through a patient counseling intervention in community pharmacies – A nationwide cohort study","authors":"Karin Svensberg ,&nbsp;Björn Wettermark ,&nbsp;Jenna Ramsin Eklund ,&nbsp;Mohammadhossein Hajiebrahimi ,&nbsp;Marie Ekenberg ,&nbsp;Albin Tranberg ,&nbsp;Sofia Kälvemark Sporrong","doi":"10.1016/j.rcsop.2025.100699","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rcsop.2025.100699","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Poor adherence is a well-known problem for statins, key medicines for reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Community pharmacy services have been identified as a way to increase adherence. We assessed the effect of motivating counseling in Swedish community pharmacies on treatment persistence in patients starting statin therapy.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this cohort study, one-year persistence was evaluated in patients who initiated statin therapy (ATC C10AA) between October 2022 and June 2023 following pharmacy-based counseling, and compared with five age- and sex-matched controls per patient from pharmacies not providing the service. Data were collected from Swedish national health registers on dispensed medications, diagnoses and socioeconomic characteristics of patients. Odds ratios for being persistent with 95 % confidence intervals were calculated using a logistic regression model adjusted for socioeconomics, cardiovascular comorbidity and pharmacy size.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 902 patients who had data available in the Swedish national registers received the intervention. They had a higher education and income, mostly Swedish born and they had less history of cardiovascular disease, compared to the 4510 age- and sex-matched controls. The one-year persistence was significantly higher among those who received the service compared to controls (80.2 % compared to 73.6 %). Adjusted odds ratios for being persistent after the intervention was 1.43 (95 % CI 1.19–1.71).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Patients who receive a motivating counseling service in community pharmacies have a higher persistence to statin treatment, one year after initiation, after adjustment for differences in patient characteristics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73003,"journal":{"name":"Exploratory research in clinical and social pharmacy","volume":"21 ","pages":"Article 100699"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145924805","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prescription-only medicine requests by clients: Insights from community pharmacies","authors":"Chabiya Ayuba Tashiwa ,&nbsp;Erick Wesley Hedima","doi":"10.1016/j.rcsop.2025.100689","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rcsop.2025.100689","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The accessibility of community pharmacies increases the likelihood that patients will approach pharmacists for medication needs, including those that require prescriptions. This study assessed prescription medicine requests from members of the public. Method This study employed a cross-sectional design to investigate clients seeking medication from community pharmacies in Karu, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire comprising of two sections. Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests, where appropriate, were utilized to determine factors associated with prescription-only medicine (POM) requests. Associations between perception scores and patient characteristics were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney <em>U</em> test or Kruskal-Wallis test. Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors that may elucidate the correlates of obtaining medicines without a prescription. Statistical significance was set at <em>p</em> &lt; 0.05 (95 % CI).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 258 adults with access to prescription-only (POM) or over-thecounter (OTC) medications were included in the study. The prevalence of prescription medicine request was 53 %. Headaches, fever, pain, and dysmenorrhea were the most frequent complaints (33.9 %). A significant difference was observed between medicineseeking practices and chronic illnesses (<em>p</em> = 0.01). The odds of requesting a POM decreased with lower educational attainment (AOR 0.05; 95 % CI, 0.06–0.43). While Age (<em>p</em> = 0.006), employment status (<em>p</em> = 0.03), and monthly income (<em>p</em> = 0.01) were significantly associated with perception of medication-seeking behavior. The most commonly requested medicine was artemether and lumefantrine, accounting for 12.3 % of prescriptions. Most respondents agreed that consultation with a registered medical practitioner for any health concern is necessary.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The prevalence of prescription-only medicine requests by clients seeking healthcare from community pharmacies was relatively high. Artemether/lumefantrine and amoxicillin/clavulanate were the most sought medicines. Strengthen national prescribing policies by granting pharmacists structured prescribing authority, thereby promoting accountability and the rational use of medicines.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73003,"journal":{"name":"Exploratory research in clinical and social pharmacy","volume":"21 ","pages":"Article 100689"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145790432","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence and determinants of unused medicines among households in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Tekletsadik Tekleslassie Alemayehu ,&nbsp;Gebremariam Wulie Geremew ,&nbsp;Eskedar Dires Gebremeskel ,&nbsp;Zemenu Wube Bayleyegn ,&nbsp;Ayelign Eshete Fitgu ,&nbsp;Tefera Minwagaw ,&nbsp;Mulugojjam Jegnie Tagele ,&nbsp;Rahel Belete Abebe ,&nbsp;Tirsit Ketsela Zeleke ,&nbsp;Abaynesh Fentahun Bekalu ,&nbsp;Masho Tigabie Tekle ,&nbsp;Mekonnen Derese Mekete ,&nbsp;Mulugeta Assefa Estifo ,&nbsp;Abebech Tewabe Gelaye ,&nbsp;Tadele Mesfin Demelash ,&nbsp;Fraol Zeleke Desta ,&nbsp;Elsabeth Alemayehu Haile ,&nbsp;Simon Zemenfes Hailu ,&nbsp;Adugna Tadesse Gemeda ,&nbsp;Tesfaye Birhanu Abebe","doi":"10.1016/j.rcsop.2025.100639","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rcsop.2025.100639","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Unused medicines present significant public health, environmental risks and economic challenges. Understanding their prevalence and determinants is crucial for designing appropriate interventions. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence and determinants of unused medicines among households in Ethiopia.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>A comprehensive search was conducted across major databases, including Scopus, Science Direct, Embase, PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Research Gate, to identify relevant studies published up to January 10, 2025. Eligible studies reporting the prevalence and determinants of unused medicines in Ethiopian households were included. Data were extracted via a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and analyzed using STATA version 11.0, applying a random-effects model to estimate the pooled prevalence and account for heterogeneity. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to explore variations across studies.</div></div><div><h3>Result</h3><div>A total of 12 studies involving 6123 households were included. The pooled prevalence of unused medicines was estimated at 44.34 % (95 % CI: 32.83, 55.84), with substantial heterogeneity among studies (I² = 99.0 %, <em>p</em> value =0.000). Subgroup analyses revealed higher prevalence rates in urban households at 47.8 % compared to rural households at 26.89 % and regional disparities. Antibiotics were the most frequently unused class of medications, accounting for 31.49 % of all unused medicines in households, followed by analgesics at 26.14 %, while antacids constituted 8.7 %. The primary reasons for the accumulation of unused medicines included self-discontinuation upon symptom relief at 34.21 %, while anticipation of future use constitute 20.47 %. Factors such as self-medication with NSAIDs, acquisition of medications without prescriptions, and higher household income were significantly associated with the prevalence of unused medicines among households in Ethiopia.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that unused medicines among households in Ethiopian was prevalent, with significant regional variations. Antibiotics were the most commonly unused medications, followed by analgesics, while cardiovascular medicines and dietary supplements were the least reported. The primary reasons for the accumulation of unused medicines included self-discontinuation upon symptom relief, and anticipation of future use. Key determinants such as self-medication with NSAIDs, acquisition of medications without prescriptions, and higher household income were significantly associated with the prevalence of unused medicines. These findings underscore the need for context specific interventions to address the high prevalence of unused medicines in Ethiopia, particularly in urban settings and regions with higher rates.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73003,"journal":{"name":"Exploratory research in clinical and social pharmacy","volume":"20 ","pages":"Article 100639"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144781013","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}