Abstract:

Background: In 2003 the Tanzania Food, Drugs and Cosmetics act was formulated, section 24 of the act established the ADDO program to replace DLDB to Government accredited ADDOs. After a successful pilot study in Ruvuma Regional, the program was approved by MoHSW in 2005 under the TFDA regulations in Tanzania mainland as a new class of pharmaceutical services. The study is intended to provide an insight into the perceptions of ADD) dispensers regarding dispensing practices in Kahama district as the results obtained will be useful to stakeholders to improve on ADDO current dispensing practices.

Despite of this success, a number of problems arose. Commonly experienced problem was failure of ADDOs to comply with the TFDA regulations as DLDB were experiencing in their operation. Most of the ADDO dispensers were inherited from the DLDB with past experience of not adhering to TFDA regulations. The study is intended to provide an insight into the perceptions of ADDO dispensers regarding dispensing practices in Kahama District. The result obtained from this study will be useful to stakeholders to improve on ADDO current dispensing practices.

Objective: To assess the knowledge, skills and competence of ADDO dispensers in Kahama District.

Methodology: A cross section survey was conducted from 1st to 30th June 2014, whereby 42 ADDOs were recruited in the study in Kahama Town. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect data.

Results: A total of 42 ADDO dispensers were involved. The study showed that 88.1% of respondents were Nurse Assistants. The knowledge on dosage calculations was found to be 48.8% (Quinine syrup) as well as 59.5% (Contrimoxazole suspension), and correct instructions to their clients showed to be 40.5%. The study also showed lack of some important reference materials in ADDOs daily operation and supervision trend was maximally done twice only for the two years 2012 and 2013.

Conclusion: The knowledge and competence on dosage calculation in ADDO dispensers was low, this low knowledge and competence would be attributed to short training course of ADDO (5 weeks). This is due to the fact that Most ADDO dispensers are Nurse Assistants who are either standard seven or did not perform well in their O-level education. This can results into under dosage or over dosage as well as drug resistance or adverse reactions as the end result of which can be death to the patients.

Recommendation: Dosage calculations should be emphasized in the ADDO training as well as dispensing tools and reference materials should be supplied to the ADDO upon completion of their training course. The number of Supervision in ADDO should be increased to Quarterly basis and be supportive to impact knowledge. These supervisions should be conducted in supportive manner as harassment reduces cooperation during inspections.