Attitudes of Bolivian pharmacists in dealing with diarrhea cases

To help learn about the recommendations made by Bolivian pharmacists dealing with diarrhea cases, 498 pharmacies in three Bolivian cities (Cochabamba, El Alto, and La Paz) were visited by female interviewers who indicated they were seeking treatment for a child with diarrhea. Ninety-eight of the Cochabamba pharmacies were also visited by a male interviewer who indicated he was suffering from diarrhea and was seeking treatment. In response, fewer than 2% of the pharmacists recommended using oral rehydration salts (ORS), increasing fluid intake, or consulting a physician. Most recommended antimicrobials, antidiarrheals, or some combination of the two. At 329 (66%) of the pharmacies, oral rehydration salts were unavailable, and those that did have such salts rarely offered them to customers. At the time of the survey, pharmacists were not integrated into the Bolivian National Health Secretariat's training program for control of diarrheal diseases. Steps have since been taken to resolve this matter.