Community Pharmacists' Commitment to Preventive Measures During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Light of the Economic Crisis in Beirut, Lebanon: A Simulated Client Study (original) (raw)

BAU Journal - Health and Wellbeing

The burden on community pharmacists has dramatically increased since the COVID-19 pandemic, where the increased number of clients demands adhering to optimal infection protective measures. We aimed to investigate the level of adopted COVID-19 preventative measures by Lebanese community pharmacies and the influencing factors. One hundred community pharmacies in Beirut, were randomly selected and inspected by a simulated client. Signs of face-mask use, declaration of COVID-19 infection, and social distancing were observed in 62%, 48%, and 35% of pharmacies, respectively. Body temperature screening was absent. Only 20% of the pharmacies had limitations for the number of clients, and only 31% offered free disinfectants. Direct pharmacist-patient encounters were observed in 25% of pharmacies. Social distancing among pharmacists was practiced in only 8% of the pharmacies and 37% of pharmacists were not wearing facemasks. Female pharmacists, pharmacists > 40 years, and large pharmacies were associated with a significantly higher score than male pharmacists, younger pharmacists, and smaller

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