Assessing attitudes of community pharmacists towards adolescent-friendly sexual and reproductive healthcare services in Ghana.
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Abstract
Background: Adolescents in Ghana face significant barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive health services (SRHS), and community pharmacists can play a key role in providing these services. However, their attitudes towards adolescent-friendly SRHS (AFSRHS) may influence service delivery.
Objectives: This study assessed the attitudes of community pharmacists in four regions of Ghana towards providing AFSRHS.
Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 357 licensed community pharmacists in the Bono, Bono East, Ahafo, and Ashanti regions. A census approach was used, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering pharmacists' norms, personal beliefs, attitudes towards adolescent SRHS, and perceptions of the clinical and policy environment. Data were analyzed using Stata version 16, and Bloom's classification was applied to categorize attitudes, with scores > 90% indicating a positive attitude.
Results: Of the 357 pharmacists contacted, 192 responded (53.8 %). Most pharmacists (53.1 %) exhibited poor attitudes towards AFSRHS, while 46.9 % had positive attitudes. While 66.7 % supported equal confidentiality for adolescents and adults in SRH services, 37.5 % believed unmarried adolescents should be advised to abstain from contraceptive use. Comparison with other studies indicated that pharmacists in different settings tend to display more positive attitudes toward SRHS provision.
Conclusion: The study revealed that many pharmacists in Ghana hold unfavorable attitudes towards AFSRHS, which may hinder adolescents' access to essential SRH services. Training programs and policy reforms are recommended to improve attitudes and create a more inclusive environment for adolescent healthcare.
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