Mapping medication selling practices at nonpharmacy outlets during the COVID-19 pandemic: an example of Indonesia

Nonpharmacy outlets are common medication suppliers in Indonesia, yet little is known regarding their practices. This study aimed to evaluate the medication selling practices occurring in kiosks and minimarkets during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

A cross-sectional study included all minimarkets (N = 101) and a convenience sample of kiosks (a minimum sample size, N = 67) in District X, Indonesia. A validated tool was used to collect data on the characteristics of kiosks/minimarkets and their medication selling practices (i.e. drug management and drug information).

A sample of 67 kiosks and 52 minimarkets (response rate 51.5%) consented to participate in this study. Kiosks and minimarkets generally stocked nonprescription drugs, particularly cough and/or common cold products or analgesic-antipyretics; while >90% of kiosks and 15.4% of minimarkets provided prescription medicines. Medications in kiosks and minimarkets were mainly obtained from pharmacies (94.0% vs. 17.0%, respectively) or pharmaceutical wholesale representatives (68.7% vs. 96.0%, respectively). Most minimarkets or kiosks satisfied drug storage standards (100.0% vs. 88.1%, respectively). During the previous week, >80% of kiosks and minimarkets reported purchases of nonprescription drugs, and approximately 5% reported sales of prescription drugs. No drug information was provided by kiosk or minimarket staff.

Minimarkets and kiosks may improve access to basic medications, but no information is provided regarding their use. These outlets should be licensed and policed to ensure the range and quality of drugs, and information provided to the Indonesian community is appropriate.