Pharmacists' practice in providing pharmaceutical services of treating paediatric diarrhoea in pharmacies: A qualitative study

Background: Diarrhoea is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Pharmacists in pharmacies are essential in managing the treatment of diarrhoea in children and its prevention, particularly in preventing dehydration in children with diarrhoea. Objective: This study aims to explore the practice of pharmacists in providing pharmaceutical services related to treating diarrhoea in children in pharmacies. Method: The research was conducted using a qualitative, non-experimental method through in-depth interviews. Interviews were conducted face-to-face. Informants were recruited until data saturation, and ten pharmacist informants were obtained. Data validity was assessed through credibility testing with member checking, transferability testing with a detailed description, dependability testing, and confirmability testing through peer debriefing. Interview results were analysed descriptively using an inductive reasoning process. Result: In practice, not all pharmacists obtain complete drug information, make recommendations for appropriate treatment of paediatric diarrhoea, and provide complete drug information. The inhibiting factors for the implementation of pharmaceutical services related to paediatric diarrhoea therapy in the pharmacy is the lack of up-to-date knowledge among pharmacists and the limited human resources in the pharmacy. Conclusion: Pharmacists have a role in preventing and treating diarrhoea in children because they are health professionals who can be found in pharmacies and whom the public can consult about treating diarrhoea in their children.