Cold Chain Pharmaceuticals Storage and Distribution Practices in Public Health Facilities in Bench-Sheko Zone, Southwestern Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Appropriate storage and distribution practices are essential to maintain quality products to protect patients from consuming ineffective cold chain pharmaceuticals. However, there is limited evidence on cold chain pharmaceuticals practices in this study area. Therefore, the study aimed to assess cold chain pharmaceuticals storage and distribution practices in public health facilities in Bench-Sheko Zone, Southwestern Ethiopia. Method: Concurrent explanatory mixed method was conducted from October 1 to November 30, 2020. Data were collected from 25 public health facilities using tools adapted from World Health Organization, logistics indicators assessment tool and logistics systems assessment tool guideline. Data were cleaned, processed and entered in to the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version20. The chi-square test was done to identify the association at a p value of 0.05 significant levels. For the qualitative data analysis, 12 key informants were interviews for 15-20 minutes and analyzed using thematically. Lastly, triangulation of the qualitative findings with quantitative carried out. Results: Twenty-five public health facilities participated in the study with response rate of 92.6%. Only 25% of good storage practice and 27.63% distribution practice of cold chain pharmaceuticals at public health facilities fulfilled the World Health Organization and USAID delivery guide respectively. Mainly the practice was poor due to the result is below 80% of World Health Organization criteria. Similarly, the chi-square test indicated that the association between storage and distribution practice with independent variables Such as work experience X 2 (2, N=76)=26.65, p=0.009, training X 2 (1, N=76)=10.72, p=0.005, supervision X 2 (1, N=76) =3.82 p=0.014, was statistically significant. This result was also supported by the majority of key informants that identified lack of pharmacy professionals, shortage of infrastructure and equipment, low supervision and training was claimed to be challenged in cold chain pharmaceuticals management. Conclusion and recommendations: The storage and distribution practice of cold chain pharmaceuticals was poor that is associated with the work experience, training and supervision. Therefore, there should be continuous professional education, training, supportive supervision, availability of equipment and infrastructure required for proper storage and distribution practice. Hence, the Zonal health department, woreda health office, and health facilities should collaborate to improve cold chain pharmaceuticals practices for quality services