Pharmacists'perspective on HIV testing services in community pharmacies in Maseru, Lesotho

Abstract

Objective: To assess pharmacists’ perspectives on offering HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) testing services in community pharmacies in Maseru, Lesotho. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted among pharmacists working in community pharmacies around Maseru urban area in Lesotho. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data in a face-to-face interview with pharmacists. Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS®) version 16.0 was used to analyze collected data. Results: Out of 40 respondents, 32 (80.0%) do not offer HIV testing and counseling services and 35 (87.5%) thought rapid HIV testing should be offered in community pharmacies. 27 (67.5%) respondents said it was possible to offer HIV testing services in community pharmacies and 22 (55.0%) respondents said community pharmacies were not ready to offer HIV testing services. Of the 40 respondents, 11 (27.5%) were trained in HIV testing and counseling and most respondents (31, 77.5%) felt comfortable to offer HIV testing services. Conclusion: Pharmacists in community pharmacies were willing to offer HIV testing and counseling although majority of pharmacists did not offer these services as they thought community pharmacies were not ready and also due to lack of pharmacists education on HIV testing and counseling