A qualitative study exploring factors influencing antibiotic supply in community pharmacies in Timor-Leste

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the factors driving antibiotic supply in community pharmacies in Timor-Leste. METHODS: Sixteen face-to-face semi-structured interviews with community pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in Dili, Timor-Leste, were analyzed using the socioecological theoretical model. KEY FINDINGS: Non-prescription antibiotic supply was a common practice. Supply of broad-spectrum antibiotics for diarrhea, sore throat, malaria symptoms, and wound infections was deemed concerning for antibiotic resistance. Limited understanding of appropriate antibiotic use, clients' requests or showing of empty pill packaging for antibiotics, poor health literacy, poverty, and weak regulatory enforcement influenced antibiotic supply in the community pharmacies. CONCLUSIONS: Individual, community, and policy-level factors drive antibiotic supply in community pharmacy in Timor-Leste.