Availability and provision of misoprostol and other medicines for menstrual regulation among pharmacies in Bangladesh via mystery client survey

作者：Huda Fauzia A^*; Ngo Thoai D; Ahmed Anisuddin; Alam Anadil; Reichenbach Laura

来源：International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, 2014, 124(2): 164-168.

DOI：10.1016/j.ijgo.2013.07.037

• Abortion
• Bangladesh
• Menstrual regulation
• Misoprostol
• Pharmacy workers

Objective: To explore the availability and provision of misoprostol and other medicines for menstrual regulation (MR) among pharmacies in Bangladesh. Methods: Between March and November 2011, a cross-sectional study using mystery client visits was conducted among pharmacy workers in Dhaka and Gazipur Districts, Bangladesh. Mystery clients were trained to present 1 of 4 pre-developed situations to pharmacy workers to elicit information on the regimen, adverse effects, and complications of misoprostol use. Results: Mystery clients visited 331 pharmacies. Among the 331 pharmacy workers, 45.8% offered the mystery clients misoprostol and/or other medicines for MR; 25.7% referred them to private clinics or hospitals. Only 7% recommended an effective regimen of misoprostol for MR; 65% suggested administering vaginal and oral misoprostol together. Overall, 72.4% did not provide any advice on complications; the remainder suggested visiting trained providers for complications. Counseling on excessive bleeding as a danger sign was provided by 46% of pharmacy workers. Most (94%) did not provide or refer for post-MR family planning. Conclusion: Pharmacy workers in urban Bangladesh are providing ineffective drugs and regimens for MR A training package is needed to strengthen service delivery by providing accurate information, high-quality products, and referral mechanisms for women seeking MR through pharmacies.

• 出版日期2014-2