Satisfaction with community pharmacies in Brazil during the Covid-19 pandemic

Objective: To assess user satisfaction and use frequency of community pharmacies during Covid-19 pandemic, highlighting their strategic role in promoting public health. Methods: An epidemiological cross-sectional study was conducted in Alegre, Espírito Santo, during November and December 2021. To assess the satisfaction level with the use of community pharmacies, a visual analogue scale (VAS) was applied, considering values from 0 (completely dissatisfied) to 10 (completely satisfied). Satisfaction was analyzed both as a continuous and categorical variable, with VAS scores ≥ 7.0 considered as the threshold for satisfaction and ≥ 9.0 for very high satisfaction. A Tobit regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with satisfaction with community pharmacies. Results: A total of 697 participants were interviewed, 86.9% of whom used private community pharmacies. The satisfaction level was high, with an average score of 9.43 (Standard Deviation = 1.10). When categorized, 96.0% of participants reported satisfaction with community pharmacy services (VAS ≥ 7.0), with 80.2% classified as very satisfied (VAS ≥ 9.0). Factors associated with higher satisfaction included individuals aged 60 years or older, females, and those with lower educational levels. Conclusion: The findings revealed a notably high level of satisfaction among users of community pharmacies amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The trust placed in these services reflects their importance as an accessible and reliable resource for the population, especially during times of crisis.