Challenges in the distribution of antimicrobial medications in community dispensaries in Accra, Ghana

This data was originally collected as part of a senior undergraduate thesis conducted in Accra, Ghana, in Fall 2021. Fieldwork was conducted in 80 medicine shops throughout Accra, using an in-depth survey questionnaire administered verbally. After obtaining informed consent and distributing study details, survey questions were read aloud to participants and results were transcribed by researchers. The questions focused on the distribution of antimicrobial medications, in an effort to elucidate patterns in community-level distribution and predict the risk of emerging antimicrobial resistance.<br>Community distribution of medications in low- and middle-income countries has been shown to accelerate the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. The distribution of medications is often carried out by private vendors operating under constrained conditions. Yet patterns in medicine distribution, and their consequences, are not well understood. The aim of this study was to illuminate the challenges reported by employees of chemical shops and pharmacies throughout Accra. This study sought to 1) assess obstacles and challenges faced by medicine vendors during their sales of antibiotic and antimalarial medications, and 2) identify opportunities for improving community-level stewardship of antimicrobials. <br>